International Research

The website that I chose to explore is the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) found at http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Following are three of the current international research topics that I found on the website:

• ·      Parents’ and Other Caregivers’ Perception of Early Childhood Development Needs and Quality: A Study of the PLAN-Assisted Programs in Bawjiase, Ghana
• ·      Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development
• ·      Strengthening the Capacity of Grandparents in Providing Care to Children Less than 8 Years Old Affected by HIV/AIDS

I was surprised to learn that a virtual university such as this existed. According to the website, the following options are offered through the School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C., Canada:

• ·      a three-year Masters degree  
• ·      a one-year Professional Specialization Certificate program  in co-operation with African-based universities
• ·      and a one-year Grad Diploma program

It is an interesting concept and the feedback from the students was a testament to the program and what the students gained from being part of this program.  According of the website, the goal of this program is to build capacity through:

• promoting Regional ECD Networks
• supporting In-Country Development
• utilizing Computer Technology
• identifying Indigenous Knowledge
• stimulating Local Solutions
• accessing International Expertise
• delivering Meaningful Training

When reviewing the research topics on this site, I found that many of them addressed common concerns that impact the field of early childhood no matter the geographic location such as the quality of early education, paternal involvement and strategies that influence school readiness.  I liked the fact that this organization promotes indigenous knowledge and problem solving at the local level and uses a community of learners approach.   Integrating Indigenous Knowledge in ECD Training and Services and Utilizing Indigenous Stories in the Promotion of Early childhood Development Programs in Uganda are two research topics I found that could provide insights into cultural diversity in early childhood care and education that could be applicable in many places throughout the world.  While the research on this website is conducted in various places in Africa, it serves as a valuable source of information for anyone interested in learning more about early childhood research.

References

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). (2011). Building Capacity.  Retrieved May 30, 2011 from http://www.ecdvu.org/building_capacity.php