Getting to Know International Organizations: Part 1

This week we explored international resources that focus on strategies and advocacy efforts devoted to addressing poverty and creating positive social change.

       I had the opportunity to explore an organization called the United Nations Children's Fund. United Nations Children's Fund develops partnerships with others around the world to support policies and supply resources and services that protect children. They believe every child deserves the opportunity to be raised in a safe and inclusive environment (UNICEF, 2016). 

          According to UNICEF (2016), about 385 million children live in extreme poverty. Around the world, an estimated one in three children lives in homes that are multidimensionally poor therefore do not have the basic necessities such as nutrition and clean water (UNICEF, 2016). When children grow up in these living situations it leads to fewer skills for the workforce, and earn lower wages as adults (UNICEF, 2016).

    UNICEF provides opportunities for positive social change because they are responsible for creating Sustainable Development goals to support countries in making, analyzing and using data for these indicators for the population in each country (UNICEF, 2016). 

UNICEF is committed to supporting children in all aspects of development and their well0being by focusing on 5 overarching areas including (UNICEF, 2016): 

• Every child survives and thrives
• Every child learns
• Every child is protected from violence and exploitation
• Every child lives in a safe and clean environment
• Every child has a fair chance in life

Reference

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (2016).  Child Poverty and Social Protection. Retrieved from: https://www.unicef.org/social-policy

Sharing Web Resources

The website I chose to study was: https://www.zerotothree.org/

Zero to Three focuses on making sure that all babies and toddlers have a positive start to life and want caregivers and the community to have the information they need to support every child to reach their full potential (Zero to Three, 2020). During the early childhood years, nurturing relationships build the foundation for development. Zero to Three supports all adults who care for young children by proving resources to make babies and toddlers have a positive future (Zero to Three, 2020). 

In regards to this week's topic on changing demographics and diversity, the organization has information on their site about cultural sensitivity. Zero to three encourages the society to create a diverse community because an inclusive environment fosters everyone to share their valuable opinion, their perspective and encourages others to be engaged, innovative, and reach their highest potential (Zero to Three, 2020). Zero to Three values other cultures and languages and focuses on relating to others by building relationships (Zero to Three, 2020). 

Reference:

Zero to Three. (2020). How should organizations think about cultural sensitivity? Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/resources/1685-how-should-organizations-think-about-cultural-sensitivity

Getting Ready—Expanding Horizons and Expanding Resources

Part 1, Expanding Horizons

The following websites are foundations whose missions are focused on improving the lives of young children and their families worldwide:

·      Global Fund for Children https://globalfundforchildren.org/

·      Save the Children https://www.savethechildren.org/

Global Fund for Children has 127 local partners who help children in 35 different countries (Global Fund for Children, 2020). The foundation counsels, advocates and builds positive relationships to help their partners be successful and overcome challenges (Global Fund for Children, 2020). This is a great foundation that understands the importance of helping children reach their full potential no matter their circumstances. The foundation has many stories about different topics about the children and the communities they have supported. One article I read was about empowering women and young girls to be independent by providing them with a safe place, support and encouragement. Also, by helping them learn skills and education to overcome the trauma they have experienced (Global Fund for Children, 2020). 

Here is the link to the story: https://globalfundforchildren.org/story/empowering-women-caring-for-children/

Part 2, Expanding Resources

Here are a few websites that I found very beneficial and intriguing to me:

1.     https://www.dec-sped.org/

2.     https://www.zerotothree.org/

3.     https://cscce.berkeley.edu/

4.     https://www.childrensdefense.org/

The organization, Zero to Three supports the early childhood community and offers many great resources. Here is the link: https://www.zerotothree.org/

I found this website to be the most relevant to the population I serve and work with and a site that I want to follow weekly to learn more about. I have used this website before. However, I have not had the opportunity to take the time to explore the entire site and see all the resources they have to offer. The organization has information that supports different topics such as early development and well being, early learning, parenting and policy & advocacy. So, I look forward to learning more about this organization and being able to use the resources in my classroom.