Time Well Spent

I must say that the learning from this program is deeply felt as they appealed to every part of my being.  However, I would mention three of them here: 1) Week 2 of EDUC 6160 – Early childhood Development was on Amazing Changes—Infants and Toddlers (0–2 Years Old), wherein we discussed the changes that take place in children from birth to age 2.  The discussion centered on The Many Faces of Attachment, which talked on what makes babies feel attached to adults, whether parents, siblings or care givers.  2) Week 5 of EDUC 6161 – Effective Program & Practices taught us the Child Centered Curriculum, Part 2.  This is a current trend that needs to be emulated in the preparation of curriculum in order to make class activities enjoyable for the children through learning and play.  3)  Week 6 of EDUC 6360 – How Adults Learn was on different perspectives of adult learning and this gave me an exposure into the variety of approaches to adult learning in existence today. 

A long term goal that I am projecting is on becoming a renowned international children advocate.  This is someone who will be ready to stand up for the children, their families and the communities as often as necessary.  That is, being the mouth piece of the less privilege in the society.

Waoh! It has been a very long and rigorous journey, but it has been very educative, instructive and friendly.  Actually, I am now thinking, ‘does that mean no assignment for me as from Monday, April 29, 2013?’  It has been very rewarding sessions of interchanging of ideas, ones that might not be achievable in the classroom.  To this effect I want to say THANK YOU to all my instructors and colleagues in this program since inception and especially those that I am parting from now.  You all have made my learning worthwhile and you all have been good collaborators!  I’ll miss you all, but I know we can always contact one another.

Some Favorite quotes

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher

A child seldom needs a good talking to as a good listening to.  ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

Creative play is like a spring that bubbles up from deep within a child.  ~Joan Almon

Children find everything in nothing; men find nothing in everything.  ~Giacomo Leopardi, Zibaldone Scelto

My contact information is:

Name: Momoh, F. F.

Email: alffmomoh@yahoo.com

Phone: Mobile: 234 802 292 1327

             Office:  234 01 277 2222 Ext. 67267

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me are: 1) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).  I chose this organization because of it focus on the survival and development of children in the areas of health, nutrition, immunization, malaria and advocacy & partnership.  Of special interest to me is the interest in basic education and gender equality for children.  This is of interest to me because it links my challenge as it focuses on prioritizing education in early childhood, providing equitable access while monitoring the quality of education. Developing of child friendly schools is also a focus of the organization, I found this inspiring as most schools today are not child friendly, and teachers are not as warm and welcoming as they should.  2) The International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is another organization that appeals to me for its quality care and education for all children, especially in their early years of life.  The aspect that caught my admiration was the inclusion of children with special needs now so when they “become policy makers and architects, they will shape the world with their own hands…..make this world acceptable for all…..learn to ignore differences…..learn to treat all people fairly”, including those of different races or culture. 3) Save the children is an independent organization that focuses on creating lasting change in the lives of needy children around the world.  This organization collaborates with communities to make children and families find help within themselves.  It is of interest to me because the organization is quick to respond to children needs when there is any disaster by providing food, medical care and education, it also helps in the rebuilding of disaster struck communities through long-term recovery programs.  

The current available jobs that interest me in UNICEF are 1) Human Resources Assistant (Payroll), G-6, DHR, New York, although I feel that this might not get me directly working with the children.  I would need to have competencies in HR, dealing with people, especially difficult people. 2) Deputy Representative - P-5, Nigeria, Abuja.  This has to do with the designing and implementing of advocacy strategies towards promoting public awareness of UN-supported program and goals, while collaborating with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers for overall coordination.  I would need to have competency in advocacy, good communication skills, passion, with excellent promotion strategy in order to acquaint the public with the organization’s programs. 

I could not find any job opportunity from ISSA website, but I feel that the organization would need people to spread the word about the organization and what they do, I would like to feature in this.  The required skills and experience would equally be good communication skills, passion, and advocacy. 

Job opportunities for Save the Children organization abound and could be found under the tag “Take Action”.  I intend to join the volunteer group, advocate for children, spreading the word, and donating.  In all of these, passion is an essential skill required and very good communication skills.

References

International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/