I continue to be amazed at the wealth of information that is available to us in the field of education. This week, we have been studying the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) website. Founded in 1945, after the second world war, its purpose was and is to create and maintain successful development of programs and policies that cultivate peace.
Specific to education, UNESCO has initiatives, internships, and programs around the world. I was most interested in the work they are doing in Africa. After my trip to South Africa, I tend to track progress in that area of the world more than others. UNESCO's work focuses on integrating native African languages in to lifelong learning promotion. I was also interested to read that UNESCO offers internships for graduate students, specifically on literacy. "They are engaged in UIL activities in support of literacy initiatives, lifelong learning policies and information provision in the field of adult learning and education." (UNESCO, 2011).
Finally, I was interested to learn that the founders of this organization included well-known pioneers in educations like Maria Montessori and Jean Piaget.
As I review my professional goals this week, I am encouraged by all of the information and opportunities that are available to me in the field of early childhood education. I am no longer required to remain tied to direct instruction and can begin to see the scope of influence that I could have unfold in front of me through this course of study, my part yet to be played.
www.unesco.org
Katherine,
ReplyDeleteI also explored this website and found a wealth of information related to access, quality, and investments in early education. What a great experience for you to take a trip to South Africa. Did you go for education purposes?
I also found it interesting to find out that the founders were two well-known education leaders. Thanks for sharing!
This part of your blog jumped out at me "I was most interested in the work they are doing in Africa. After my trip to South Africa, I tend to track progress in that area of the world more than others." i have always want to travel to Africa to study or teach. How you shared your insight on it was powerful.
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