Some of the topics being studied by the students include involving fathers in the early years, school and parent collaboration and development of curriculum with community resources. All of these topics are ones that are found internationally, though they might have a focus on the specific country they were written in, such as, Kenya or Eritrea. We find that educators everywhere are trying to engage parents and develop curriculum based on what they have in their community.
I found this program pretty exciting. This program is fully accredited and are part of the School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C., Canada. Participants are often recommended for the program. I looked through several of the students major projects and they were very big projects.
I also took a look at the World Bank External Report of the the ECDVU program. It was very impressive that the ECDVU has a retention rate of 90% and when compared to the rest of Africa is very high when it comes to virtual schools. It also was compared to the University of Phoenix which has a retention rate of 64%. Obviously, they are doing something right! I highly recommend looking at the report.
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php
I think that it is very important that more fathers get involved in the early education of their children. Too often, the involvement is of that of the mother and the teacher. I especially think it's good for Africa because if I remember correctly a vast majority of the fathers there are not involved in their child's education. Being involved is a joint effort for all that have an impact on the child.
ReplyDeleteI too explored the website on Africa. I found it to be very exciting that they were working with fathers and how to better involve them in their child's education. It is something that is very much needed here in the states as well. Glad to see that others identify that as a top priority as well :)
ReplyDeleteAmy
Great post! I think that it is great that there is a movement in Sub-Saharan Africa that promotes paternal involvement in Early Childhood Development. Even in the US, I know of many fathers who are fearful or even disinterested in their children until they can walk and talk. Fathers most often underestimate the importance of their participation in childrearing.
ReplyDeleteAbby,
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to see that everyone else is encountering the same issues we have been learning about. I see that parental involvement is not just needed here in the US but all over. Also, Careyann said it when she wrote that even here in the US some fathers are not interested in childrearing. Amen Careyann!
Tina