International Alliance for Child Literacy (IACL) was developed to improve childhood literacy in the Caribbean and Latin America (International Alliance for Child Literacy [IACL], 2013). The organization partners with parents, community organizations, and schools to develop learning environments that are culturally relevant, provide books and educational materials, and provide follow-up support after the materials have been put in place. In addition, they help establish school libraries and literacy programs.
Considering potential job opportunities within this organization, I would be interested in consulting with teachers in the schools to find ways to make learning materials and classrooms culturally relevant and to support them as they implement literacy programs.
Children's Hope International Literacy & Development (C.H.I.L.D.) collaborates with other non-government agencies to support physical, emotional, and educational needs of children in underprivileged areas of the world (Children's Hope International Literacy & Development [C.H.I.L.d], 2013). Specifically, I was interested in the Adopt-A-School program which provides books, supplies, clothes, two meals a day, and upgrades school libraries. Criteria for being a beneficiary of the program is that the school has to be located in an impoverished area and have less than 200 children enrolled.
International Step by Step Association (ISSA) connects early education professionals and organizations internationally in an effort to support equal access and quality education for all young children (International Step by Step Association [ISSA], n.d.). They advocate for education policy reform and provide educational services for families and children in need. The early childhood programs they have established support whole child development through project and thematic based learning with an emphasis on peer learning and opportunities for decision making. The project approach to learning is a method I support and would feel comfortable implementing if I were employed by this organization. ISSA also established Community Learning Centers to support families by providing training for parents to help them facilitate their children's learning.
United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has developed their Education For All (EFA) initiative which works to strengthen education opportunities from early childhood through young adulthood by promoting equity, access, and quality education for all people. UNESCO works with governments around the world to effect policy change regarding relevant and quality education. UNESCO (2011) did offer a look at employment opportunities in the education branch of their organization which is where I would like to work if I was considering a job with them:
UNESCO works to improve education worldwide believing it to be key to social and economic development.
The
Education Sector aims to help build a sustainable world with just societies
that value knowledge, promote peace, celebrate diversity and defend human
rights, achieved by providing Education
for All (EFA). It aims
to foster partnerships to strengthen countries’ capacity to offer quality
education for all. The Education Sector monitors progress by publishing an
annual Global Monitoring Report tracking the international community’s progress
towards the six “Education For All” goals.
Education: An advanced university degree in education, culture, science, social and human sciences, communication, business administration or related field.
Languages: Fluent English or French (the two working languages of UNESCO) and a good working knowledge of other language. Knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Spanish or Russian is an additional asset.
Prior Experience: Junior level (P1/P2 or NOA/NOB): 2 to 4 years of experience; Middle level (P3/P4 or NOC/NOD): 4 to 10 years of experience; Senior level (P5 and above or NOE): 10 to 15 years of experience (including management experience).
Values: Integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity and a strong commitment to UNESCO's mission.
References
Children's Hope International Literacy & Development (C.H.I.L.D.). (2013). Retrieved from http://www.child-international.org/education.htm
International Alliance for Child Literacy (IACL). (2013). Retrieved from http://www.theiacl.org/#!our-programs/vstc7=transforming-classrooms
International Step by Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html
United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/careers/professional
Dear Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI like that you found organizations that are good resources for your capstone project. It is so easy to see that literacy for young children is a passion for you. I hope that you are able to accomplish your challenge and goals and that every child has the opportunity to have literacy in their life.
Luci
I appreciate that you also have a passion for equality in education. In South African one of the greatest challenges is that there is such a large gap in the quality of education that the children receive. The goverment and rural schools are battle with limited resources, uneducated teachers and overcrowed classrooms. We need more people advocating for equal education.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you chose organizations that focus on literacy efforts worldwide! I had not heard of CHILD or IACL but these are two organizations that I will read further about. I find the adopt a school program to be interesting as well! Thanks for bringing this information to us! The job posting seems like it would be an excellent opportunity. Great post!
Kristi