I explored the UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage and found that many are interested in education for all. The Access and Equity section of the website speaks of urging governments "to expand equitable access to
quality early childhood services underscoring the importance of
instituting policy in favor of the poor. A policy of universalisation with targeting can minimize inequity where
governments aim for universal access among the target age group, but
simultaneously prioritize the poor." (UNESCO website) I found this information particularly interesting because one of my professional goals is to universalize preschool for children first in the US then globally.
"The greatest difficulty faced by countries in their efforts to expand
and improve the quality of early childhood care and education is the
mobilization of resources." (UNESCO website) This makes complete sense since governments cannot allocate resources they do not have. Unfortunately, there is never an unlimited amount of resources and distribution needs to be intelligent and effective. Officials are burdened with the task of deciding where resources will benefit the majority and the task is a very difficult one.
Because many different sector of government affect early childhood it is difficult to coordinate and intergrate. "Cross-sectoral coordination is difficult, especially at the national
level. It is one of the main challenges facing governments of both
developed and developing countries trying to promote a holistic approach
to early childhood. Responses vary and some countries have sought to
remove the problem by integrating sectoral responsibilities into a
single ministry." (UNESCO website)
Annie,
ReplyDeleteYour post was well written as usual. Your topic is one that you have written on before,universalisation. I'm posing that writing on it often shows your passion for it. I also investigated UNESCO's web; however, I feel a little different than you about your proposed issue of universalisation. I'm all for giving to the poor and making sure they have quality access to education. Although, I'm not into reducing the privileged's support. This would also reduces their educational outcome. That is the very thing we don't want to happen to the poor; so why do it to the privileged? I believe in democracy, and helping those who need it; yet, not taking from those who have it beccause they have it. I have to do more reading on the subject -- I have been born and reared here in the US and I like the freedoms we have, and it breaks my heart to see people hurting; yet, I know taking from the people who have worked hard, gone to school and acquired things because of their right choices isn't right. Although, I would implore them to give of what they have to help the less fortunate.
Kimberly