Reflections and farewell to all

The last eight weeks have been such an adventure for me. I was not sure that I was going to be able to finish this course due to health reasons and difficult circumstances, but a huge thanks to Dr E and her never ending support as well as all my peers and their insights and feedback. This has been one of the most challenging and inspiring courses that I have done in my master’s degree. The self-reflection was so valuable and I have honestly learnt so much about myself as an educator and a leader.

When reflecting upon this course the first thing that comes to mind is the week we covered leadership. I feel I learnt a lot this week and transformed myself from someone I thought did not have typical leadership qualities to a person that has a diverse combination of leadership characteristics. I assumed that I was perhaps too emotionally involved with my team to be a proficient leader. I have since learnt that this is a quality and combined with other leadership characters this can be valued.

Through re-evaluating my goals weekly I saw the subtle changes and realized that certain things were not realistic nor achievable. When I look at week one and then compared it to my final goals I see all the reflection and thought that has made the changes that will make for a far more successful Community of Practice. I see the importance of going back and re-evaluating ones ideas and work regularly and critically in order to come up with the ideal plan. I feel that I will also learn a lot while putting my plan into action and will need to be flexible enough to change things as I see fit in the given situation.

My third learning moment, and by no means least important, is the knowledge and shared ideas from my peers. It was here in discussions where my ideas grew and took shape. My peers questions and suggestions made my thinking deeper and often led me to new and improved ways of dealing with my challenge. I see the importance of team work and discussing things. Asking questions and being open to ideas and the experiences of others is a truly valuable source. I’m so thankful for having had the opportunity to work on this course with this group of people.

My long term goal for myself is to continue being an advocate for Early Childhood Education and in doing so make sure that my Community of Practice, together with African Warriors of Light, make the changes we have set out to make. I want to expand the awareness of family involvement in schools while educating adults regarding the importance of preschool.

I would like to take the moment to thank you all again and wish you all the very best for your futures in Education. I feel privileged to have spent these eight weeks with peers that share a passion for early childhood education like I do. I have been inspired by you all and the blogs and discussions that were posted. I really enjoyed learning more about organizations that were based in America and how many policies are different from here in South Africa. I have learnt a great deal in these weeks, through self-reflection, about my aspirations for my future in education.

'Education is the most powerful weapon which

you can use to change the world.' – Nelson Mandela

Fondest regards,

Amanda

International organisations and vacancies 

This was a very informative exercise. I got to read about so many interesting developments and such amazing things that organisations are doing all around the world. It really opened my eyes to how many good things are being done but at the same time how much need there is all over the world. The three organisations that I appealed to me the most were to do with educating children.

https://www.savethechildren.net/

http://www.globaleducationfund.org/

https://www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk/

Save the children operate not only America but also globally. They reach many underprivileged children and families with their services. Education is part of what they offer to uplift and support these communities. They work with families and caregivers of the children to help them to with the journey through education. They offer home visits and work with Head Start and Early Head Start programs to provide these children with educational opportunities that they would otherwise never had had. They focus on school readiness and preparing children and their families for demands and expectations of future education. This really resonated with me because in my Community of Practice I will be focusing on educating families of the children and helping them to help and support their school going children. I firmly believe that when children are supported and they feel that their caregivers are genuinely interested and involved, there is a far bigger chance at educational and emotional well-being.

My second choice was the Global Education Fund. This organisation aim to improve the lives of children living in poverty by providing them an education. Together with funding and educational support they reach out to communities that would otherwise not receive education and resources for quality schooling. I liked the fact that they support the educators and families within the community and look at the issue in a holistic approach.

 Education is a human right with the immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.

— Kofi Annan, Former Secretary General for the U.N.

My third organisation that chose to share is Educational Support Partnership. This is a British based charity organisation, one of its kind, that provide support for mental health and wellbeing of teaches and educational workers. I feel that this is an essential issue that needs to be addressed global and sadly there is not enough emphasis on this in South Africa. They recognise the many strains and stresses of working in education and state that three out of five educational workers report that they have suffered as a result of stress, health issues and even depression. This organisation not only recognise these issues but aim to support educational workers in order to avoid burn outs and excess stress.

While surfing the net and finding some fascinating websites I came across two vacancies that I found very interesting. If my circumstances were different and I was young and single, I would give them a go for sure!

The first one is for save the children based in Bangladesh.

The role is of Education Sector Coordinator. 

Basically you would need to ensure a coherent and effective response to education needs being addressed by agencies engaging in Education interventions.  She/he will lead this initiative by working closely with the education stakeholders (children, families, communities, authorities, education institutions and INGOs and UN agencies) to provide an effective, timely and strategic collective response to the current situation at Cox’s bazar.  

The Education Sector Coordination will work impartially, serving the needs of all members of the education sector and should work closely with UN OCHA, Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) from our co-lead (UNICEF). The Education Sector is accountable to the ISCG through the lead agencies (Save the Children and UNICEF).

Qualifications and experience

·         Prior experience of working within cluster coordination

·         Previous first phase emergency response experience is essential

·         Education to MSc/MA/ level in Education (or a related field) or equivalent field experience

·         Excellent communication skills, including ability to facilitate diverse groups.

·         Excellent negotiation and conflict-resolution skills

·         Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy

·         A high level of written and spoken English

·         Demonstrable ability to work and represent views across different stakeholders taking part in the Education Cluster.

·         Experience of high level co-ordination and chairing of meetings.

·         Demonstrable understanding of international humanitarian response and co-ordination mechanisms.

·         Understanding of opportunities to provide integrated or cross-cutting humanitarian interventions with other sectors and Clusters

·         Understanding of opportunities to support the World Humanitarian Summit Agenda such as  localisation and development-humanitarian nexus

·         Understanding of the Education Can Not Wait Multi-Year Fund Process and other funding mechanisms

·         Experience of applying INEE Minimum Standards and other relevant frameworks and standards in education in emergencies)

·         Experience in assessing Education Sector partners’ capacities to inform the development and roll out of capacity building plan to improve  quality of the

·         The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances.

The second role I found interesting was based in Nashville, USA.

This was the role of a Program Specialist, Early Childhood Development .

The Early Childhood Specialist will help to provide training and management support to program partners to ensure standards are met and programs are implemented in the interest of the children. Save the Children is focussed on children and family education, this position would focus on prenatal to five years old.

A person for this position would need to have a degree in early childhood education and a experience in the field of training and management.

I do not have much experience in training people but would still be so eager to take on the challenge.

References

Save the Children International. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.savethechildren.net/

HOME. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.globaleducationfund.org/

Education Support Partnership. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk/

Organisations and vacancies of interest 

I have really enjoyed researching other organizations with the same passion and goals as what I have. I have discovered that there are many good people doing fantastic work in communities here in South Africa. Of course there will never be enough support or financial aid to completely irradiate the problem, but at least there are people noticing and getting involved.

The first organization that I came across that was very interesting to me was Educationafrica. This organization was established in 1992 and strives to uplift and support the previously disadvantaged communities that are still struggling in the shadow of apartheid. Their quest is to support and encourage quality education to communities so that they can break the cycle of poverty and become global citizens of this competitive world. They have corporate members as well as educational specialists on their board and I think that this is a useful combination for a successful result.

The second organisation that really appeals to me is Equaleducation.  They are community based and all about equality of education in South Africa. Their main aim to achieve quality education for all, this is something that I feel very passionate about and feel is vital. The division between black and white South Africans is still very prevalent and the gap is far too large. Education, if available at all, in townships is far more inferior to that in white suburbs.

My third choice is Unesco. Their moto is that “education transform lives” and I could not agree more. Their mission is to eradicate poverty while creating a peaceful and sustainable future. They believe that education is a human right and each and everybody should have access to quality education. This is very relevant to my Capstones project and the communities that I am working with. Education should not be viewed as a privilege but rather a necessity. Through education lives are changed and societies benefit from that. Unesco aims to educate all South Africans regardless of gender, race or religion.

While browsing through my equaleducation.org.za I came across an exciting vacancy. They are looking for facilitators in various secondary schools around Cape Town. These facilitators will meet weekly to plan and run different youth groups while supporting youth to develop themselves in leadership and community organizing.

Applicants need to be hard-working, energetic, team players and self-motivated. All applicants are expected to run and plan groups independently. 

I have really enjoyed researching other organisations with the same passion and goals as what I have. I have discovered that there are many good people doing fantastic work in communities here in South Africa. Of course there will never be enough support or financial aid to completely irradiate the problem, but at least there are people noticing and getting involved.

The first organisation that I came across that was very interesting to me was Educationafrica. This organisation was established in 1992 and strives to uplift and support the previously disadvantaged communities that are still struggling in the shadow of apartheid. Their quest is to support and encourage quality education to communities so that they can break the cycle of poverty and become global citizens of this competitive world. They have corporate members as well as educational specialists on their board and I think that this is a useful combination for a successful result.

The second organisation that really appeals to me is Equaleducation.  They are community based and all about equality of education in South Africa. Their main aim to achieve quality education for all, this is something that I feel very passionate about and feel is vital. The division between black and white South Africans is still very prevalent and the gap is far too large. Education, if available at all, in townships is far more inferior to that in white suburbs. 

My third choice is Unesco. Their moto is that “education transform lives” and I could not agree more. Their mission is to eradicate poverty while creating a peaceful and sustainable future. They believe that education is a human right and each and everybody should have access to quality education. This is very relevant to my Capstones project and the communities that I am working with. Education should not be viewed as a privilege but rather a necessity. Through education lives are changed and societies benefit from that. Unesco aims to educate all South Africans regardless of gender, race or religion. 

While browsing through my equaleducation.org.za I came across an exciting vacancy. They are looking for facilitators in various secondary schools around Cape Town. These facilitators will meet weekly to plan and run different youth groups while supporting youth to develop themselves in leadership and community organizing. 

Applicants need to be hard-working, energetic, team players and self-motivated. All applicants are expected to run and plan groups independently. 

I came across another vacancy with Unicef that I found very interesting:

International consultant for strengthening Education Sector Institutional response to Violence against Children. To strengthen the education sector's institutional capacity and systems to promote high quality and comprehensive child and adolescent sensitive approaches to prevention and response to violence. 

References

Home page. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/

Latest news. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://equaleducation.org.za/

Making Real Change Happen. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://educationafrica.org/

South Africa | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (n.d.).                            Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/worldwide/africa/South-Africa/

EXPLORING ROLES IN ECE COMMUNITY

At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them

http://www.theparentcentre.org.za/

I think this organization has a solid and holistic view on family education. their programs are inspiring and form a solid network of help and support for relevant issues facing families in our community. This Nonprofit organization is endorsed by the World Childhood Foundation and Department of Social Development.

https://www.humanium.org/en/south-Africa/

This organization has an integrated development approach. They offer support programs covering 7 different issues, Health, Education, Micro finance, Environment, Human Rights, Peace and Citizenship.  They have taken on a global approach to current issues and challenges facing many south African families. This hands on approach allows them to respond directly the actual needs and issues within our population and offer support accordingly.

http://www.childlinesa.org.za/about/how-we-help/training/

Childline South Africa is an organization that supports and offers quality services to families and children in underprivileged areas and previously disadvantaged communities. They have a variety of training available for families relating to issues they may be facing. These programs are offered by volunteers that are professionals in their fields. 

https://gojukai.co.za/awol/about-awol/

This organization lies deep in my heart and I have personal interest in. My brother began this nonprofit organization many years ago and through his hard work and dedication he has changed children's lives. He continues to work daily to support families in need and through karate he saves children from the street and aids their development not only in this martial art but also within themselves. They learn about self discipline and respect. Families are educated and equally supported through the karate community. He not only teaches them karate but is part of funding their education and encouraging them to further develop themselves. Through sport, support and guidance these children are exposed to range of opportunities to better their futures.

Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you

Resident Social Worker

The GEM Project - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Company Description

The GEM Project NPC, a registered NPO and PBO, is seeking the services of a Resident Social Worker to work within our dynamic environment.
This is your opportunity to be part of an organization which aims to assist vulnerable children with their emotional, health, physical, educational and family challenges. The successful applicant will work within a multidisciplinary team providing advanced support to children and youth at our school and in our residences, community members and families.

Responsibilities and duties, including but not limited to the following:

Responsible for the management in totality of the student residences (daily duties, administrative requirements, HR etc )
Supervise and train house parents, youth workers and all residential staff caring for the residents.
Advise the project on all legal compliance setting the highest standards of care and welfare for the residents and best practice protocols for the project.
Liaise and report to management on all issues regarding the welfare of residents.
Co-ordination of and participation in home visits, clinic visits, obtaining birth certificates and/ ID’s
Assist with the creation of wellness, life skills, behavioral management and sex education programs for residents and community students
Responsible for the implementation of holiday programs, substance abuse treatment programs, youth services programs
Providing crisis interventions (protocols) and counseling services to residents and youth
Responsible for the development and implementation of IDP‘s and care plans, individual resident files
 

An explanation of your most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom I work or will work.

I am so lucky to be involved in a Non-profit project here in South Africa. We have so much poverty and previously disadvantaged people in our country. Together with my family and their passion for martial arts and my passion for education, we are raising funds in the hope of better opportunities and lives for these people. I am excited to be part of a change and to incorporate my knowledge and passion towards something I feel so strongly about. I want to make sure that all children have access to quality education and that family’s feel supported by their community. I feel I have a lot to share and I sincerely hope that I can make a difference in the lives of these people.

A brief note of thanks to my colleagues.

Thank you kindly to all my fellow students and to Dr Pickens. I have truly enjoyed this modules so much. This subject I have been suffering from a cervical hernia (neck injury) and have had struggled to get my assignments in on time – I thank you all for your patience and for all your shared knowledge.

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

Share with your colleagues the area of the world you chose and why:

I choose to reflect upon Malawi in Africa. Malawi is a small country that is affectionately known as “The warm heart of Africa”.  I was fortunate enough to spend my school holidays there in a small undeveloped, traditional village where my father was only white resident. This was more than 20 years ago and this is where my passion for education began. As a young high school student I would volunteer my time at a primary school and read English Literature to the local children under a large mango tree. These children had such a thirst for knowledge and where like little sponges. I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Describe in detail some of the challenges that children in this region of the world are confronting:

Children live in primitive conditions and often face daily challenges of getting to school which could entail an hour’s walk, without shoes at times. Schools are not well equipped and often are outside under trees or in small huts. To find educated teachers in these regions is a challenge as these locations are remote and do not always having funding. When I was teaching in Amsterdam, Holland we organised that all our stationary at the end of the year would be sent to schools like these in remote locations in Africa. The school I taught at was well off and they would not start the new school year with used stationery.  These contributions were very well received.

Another challenge is that the parents of the children do not always actively support their education and have their own daily challenges to contend with.

Explain how these experiences might have an effects on children’s emotional well-being and development:

As a young girl in Malawi I was unaware of the affects upon the children, even though I did understand the challenges. The people of Malawi are humble and happy people and almost content with their lives. Is this because they know no different or because they have a different outlook and different or no expectations. After reflecting upon the educational challenges that these children experience I would say that it would be harder for a young child in terms of accessing all the valuable educational resources. These children learn different things in life and although their education system may be minimal and old fashioned with little to no materials, they are keen to learn and are very dedicated. Compared to the pressure that is put upon children in developed cities these days, these children are free to be children with very little parental pressure.

Include a personal and professional reflection.  Explain the insights you gained and the influences they may have on you as a person and as an early childhood professional.

By seeing these children walk and sing to school every day and how keen they were to learn, made me realise what we take for granted. These village children are so happy to have access to a school and to learn and especially learn English. Their eagerness is contagious and attracted me to teaching the first day. Their attitudes were so different from children that I knew and the child that I was at school. I feel that all children have the right to equal and quality education. Living back in South Africa it saddens me when I see children on the street when I know that they should be in school learning and socialising.

My mission this year as part of an NPO (Non Profit Organization) is to get as many children enrolled into Early Childhood as possible.

 “Children growing up today are bombarded from a very early age with graphic messages about sex and sexiness in the media and popular culture” (Levin, Kilbourne, 2009, p. 2).

                     

I couldn’t agree more with the words of Levin and Kilbourne in this article. I have 3 little boys myself so do not often look at girls’ clothing. In South Africa we wear uniforms to schools to all the children are dressed appropriately and the same. I was in a children’s clothing store a while ago and walked through the girls department, I was horrified to see hot pants and crop tops. The clothes were very sexy and I feel that if it were my daughter I would not want her to attract that type of attention to herself. I had this discussion with my Dutch brother in law who sees it very differently. He feels that by forbidding it and seeing it that way we are over sexualizing it, that it is merely fashion and we cannot think that everyone has that type of mind and intentions. I must disagree. I feel that children should be children and there is no need for provocative behavior. Even the way the girls dance and the role models that our children idolize. When I was growing up things seemed so much more innocent. In Holland the songs are not censored and often we would drive in the car and have the latest hits play full of inappropriate language. Here in South Africa I am happy to say that television and radio is still censored.

When watching children's programs on television often the language is precocious and with a sexual undertone. When I question my friends with daughters they say that “all the kids dress that way and they don’t want them to feel left out”.

Magazine covers that all over the shelves are sexualized and mostly woman in little clothing or made to look sexy.

I feel that this type of exposure can alter the way children feel about themselves and how they should present themselves to the world. By encouraging the exposure to a sexualized culture we are teaching our children that this is the way you need to look, dress and act in order to be successful and to be accepted.

I have always been very aware of this and also concerned. When I taught in Indonesia at an International school I noticed that children would come to school with small and skimpy clothing on (due to the heat as well) but I did not agree with it, we were visitor in a Muslim country where this type of dressing for woman is forbidden and even though we may not be Indonesia we need to respect the laws and traditions and be aware that people will be fascinated and curious to see young children dressed like this.

As adults and educators we need to be good role models to children.

 Reference

Levine, D.E., & Kilbourne, J.  (2009).  [Introduction].  So sexy so soon: The new sexualization childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books.

Evaluating impacts on professional practice

Describe in detail the consequences you might expect for the children and families with whom you work while you experience specific "–ism(s)" in your own life. Include specific examples either those you have and/or are experiencing or ones you would anticipate.

This is a very real experience that many educators and caregivers can experience. Life is sadly full of prejudices and people that judge and criticise those that are different from what they know to be “normal”.  I can tell of a true story that happened over 20 years ago when I first taught at an International school in Holland. I was a young girl from while girl from South Africa and teaching in a very wealthy International school. There was a black family that came from South Africa and I taught their young daughter. I was very excited to have the familiarity and same nationality in common as it was not common at the school. From the moment I introduced myself I could tell there was a strain in the relationship and even thought I was friendly and open, and liked by all the parents, these parents held themselves back. I had no idea what the issue could be so I made a special effort to make time for them and made sure that I communicated openly and frequently with them. It became very clear to me that there was an underlying issue that they were not prepared to discuss with me. I asked my superior at school to meet with them and share with them what and if they had any issues with me.

It soon came out that they had issues with me as a white South African and the history of apartheid and their own feeling towards white South Africans. I was completely shocked, especially since so much time had passed since apartheid regime and that we were already in our 2 decade of democracy then. If they took the time to ask they would know that I was a huge fan of Mandela and that my own father was under how arrest for teaching black children in the townships in the days of apartheid. I noticed that their adversity towards me made the little girl very closed towards me and afraid to for a relationship or trust with me. It was a long and difficult struggle for me and being young I took it personally. I wanted to prove myself and I wanted them to know how my family were freedom fighters and how I was anything but racist. I wanted them to know that I fought for black equal rights and that I believed that all children were entitled to quality education.

In time I was able to convince them of my good and honest intentions and Afundi, their young daughter and I built up a very special and unique relationship based on trust and honestly. We learnt from one another and I also learnt what drove her parents to feel the way they did initially. It is important to walk in another man’s shoes or at least stop and try.

Observing Communication

When I prepared to write this blog I realized that I often observe communication and interactions without intentionally doing so. I find it fascinating to see how people interaction and respond to one another and the different types of communication they have.
On this particular day I was standing in the queue at the supermarket and there was a mother with her young son in the trolley in front of me. The line was long and the little boy was getting restless, he started to take snacks off the shelves next to him. "I have told you not to touch those things" said the mother, noticeably annoyed. "But I am hungry and it's taking so long" said the boy in a very tired voice. "put it back!" snapped the mom under her breathe. She turned to apologize to me. Surprised I answered "Please do not apologize, I have 3 young sons and I know how boring shopping can be for them, and how tempting all these treats are here.". She seems embarrassed and worried what people around her were thinking. The little boy again took something off the shelf. She spoke sternly under her breathe this time. "You are embarrassing me, you are not a good boy today and next time you can stay home instead of coming with". The little boy began to cry. 
I could see the mother was trying to keep things together and was obviously irritated by the waiting in the line and perhaps preoccupied with other stresses or issues she may have. 
 I feel that the mother did not take the time to hear the little boy and actually understand that he was hungry and tired. One needs to always affirm children's feelings and listen with meaning to what they have to say (Laureate Education, 2011). 
I felt as if the mother was too worried about what others around her were thinking and less about engaging in a conversation with her child that was obviously not happy. I feel that she could have been more receptive to his needs, not necessarily giving him the snack but acknowledging that it is a long wait and reassuring him they will go home soon for a healthier snack  (Laureate Education, 2011). 
I feel that it is important for adults to stop and take the time to listen to what children are saying. It is essential for them to feel listened to and have their opinions respected

(Laureate Education, 2011). 
We all communicate and talk in different ways and children are no different in that

(Stephenson, 2009). As a teacher and a mother I am always making sure that I go onto a children's eye level and really hear what they are saying. There are times when I am tired and less patient and this can more challenging but generally speaking I am committed to listening to each and every one and respond in a way that validates them and supports their learning and development (Dangei &Durden, 2010). 
I am far more patient with my learners and children that are not my own. I feel that I need to be as patient with my own children and make sure that I listen to them clearly, even when they are whining or complaining. There is always a message or something that needs to be communicated but often children do not know the appropriate way to do it. We have to guide them and model the correct behavior. 

References:

1    Laureate Education, Inc. (2011).  Strategies for working with diverse children:                         Communicating with young children.  Baltimore, MD: Author

      Stephenson, A. (2009).  Conversations with a 2-year-old.  Young Children, 64(2), 90-95.
      
      Rainer Dangei, J., & Durden, T. R. (2010). The nature of teacher talk during small group activities. YC: Young Children, 65(1), 74-81