Final Reflection: Issues and Trends

3 Consequences of Learning:

• Making an international contact is not as easy as it may seem.  There are many organizations that focus on childcare and early education throughout the world, but finding someone to partner with you one-on-one and to take the time to share information is difficult.  That places a high value on the time and energy of my own personal international contact and I am so grateful that she took me on this semester!
• As you learn about issues and trends relating to international children, you are no longer an uneducated party.  This means that once you are made aware of the issues and trends facing children in other countries, your obligation becomes one as an advocate of change.  Regardless of whether you advocate for change in another country or our own, there is a responsibility that comes with gaining knowledge.  You can no longer assume that because you did not know, you are not responsible to make a difference in a child's life.
• Given the similarities in many issues that are facing early childhood programs around the world, it is important to acknowledge that change can be made on an international level.  Children are similar regardless of where they live... they have the same needs, hopes, and dreams.  To understand the life of a child in another country, you simply need to understand the life of a child around you.  Their circumstances may be very different, but inside they need love and their basic needs met in order to be successful in life.

One Goal for the International EC Field:

• The elimination or reduction of poverty is my goal for the EC field, in our own country and throughout the world.  There are so many damaging effects of poverty on children and families and so many small changes that could improve a families livelihood, that it seems irresponsible to not address this on a global scale.  There are many agencies that strive to make this their primary goal and supporting these agencies is an excellent way to advocate change.