Before I even talk about the Global Children's Initiative at Harvard, let me just say this....I have spent about an hour loading videos on to my computer from Harvard's website. What a gold mine! As many of us are looking toward increasing our advocacy skills as Walden students and as Early Childhood teachers I appreciate the rich resources rooted in research on the Harvard website. It feels like I have found a treasure.
The second domain is focused on Children's Mental Health with three projects in development, the first in Shanghai, China to assess the state of mental health services there. Another will develop and evaluate efforts to prevent mental health issues in children with AIDS/HIV in Rwanda. Finally an project to assess childhood maltreatment and the resulting mental health issues as a result in three Caribbean nations.
Children in Crisis is the domain focused on collaborative efforts to study the "assessment and management of child well being" in the face of crisis whether natural or man made.
I have a few new insights after exploring the Harvard website this week. Again, I have bookmarked, tagged, highlighted, and downloaded a variety of resources that will prepare me in my work as an advocate and in creating curriculum for parents in my classes.
I am thrilled to see international efforts being made on behalf of children for children. I am hoping that each of the global efforts include Harvard students as research assistants, social work interns, medical residents, and a variety of other roles. Each of the projects is rooted in noble humanitarian values. I wonder if universities are filling in gaps in humanitarian efforts that used to be a function of our government.
Any time mental health generates research, we move one step closer to removing the international stigma of mental illness. All of these efforts are examples of international excellence and equity in early childhood.
Reference
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/topics/global_child_development/
Hi Katy. This website is so informative and a great choice when it comes to the projects in Chile, Zambia, and Sierra Leone. I’ve been researching on UNICEF’s worldwide projects and goals. Its amazing countries take the initiative and support in times of crisis and gaps. International cooperation is what every country needs - - hopes, dreams and the education young children desperately need and want. Interesting and great post, Katy…
ReplyDeleteI was also very happy to see that there were efforts being made on an international level, to help other countries understand the importance of early education and the impact that it has on our children all around the world. There are variety of resources such as organizations, professionals, and even celebrities, reaching out their hand to offer any assistance they can to help aide in the fight for the rights of children and their educational development. The site has really offered a abundant variation of resources that can help in our efforts to aide in the process of advocacy as well.
ReplyDeleteKaty,
ReplyDeleteIt is so wonderful to find new resources that help us see and understand how the field of early childhood is making large strides in helping children and families. I was impressed with what they focused on early childhood development, mental health, and children in crisi. Those three topics really go hand in hand and they can feed off of each other. If I was young and ambitious I would want to take part in those studies abroad and help other early childhood professionals in the steps necessary to help their children and families. Great blog post, Melissa
Hi Katy,
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed learning about all of the wonderful work conducted by Harvard's Global Children's Initiative. I am very happy to see the expansion of quality early education in the US and all other countries.
Katy,Great Post.
ReplyDeleteI do believe with improvements to all three of the domains; Early Childhood Development, Children's Mental Health, and Children in crisis; that children and their families will receive a better growing up together. It is so excciting to see all the wonderful resourses that the states has, and not afraid to share with the rest of the county.