Research begins with identifying a need or asking a question.  As we are learning about research conducted locally, we must also reflect upon our international research communities. 

 

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Developed and maintained by the University of Victoria,  in British Columbia, this virtual university is the international gateway for early childhood research worldwide ( Walden University, 2013)

ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa: Mission Statement

To further develop African ECD leadership capacity as a key strategy in support of child, family and community well-being and broader social and economic development (The Early Childhood Development University (ECDVU),  2005). 

ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Program Overview

The Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) is an innovative and multifaceted approach to addressing ECD capacity building and leadership development in Africa. The ECDVU is supported by a range of international, regional and local organizations, including the employers of participants. It is a unique training and results-oriented program that uses face-to-face and distributed learning methods including: residential seminars, web-based instruction, CD-Rom and print material support, and a 'community of learners' strategy within and among cohort countries. Typically, ECDVU participants are nominated by ECD country committees; these committees' nominations are based on achieving inter-sectoral, multi-organizational representation and evidence of individual commitment to child well-being and broader social development within the country. Nominees accept responsibility for promoting ECD capacity within their country, their region and internationally.

Here is link to the University:

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php

It was interesting to learn how local supports can promote global endeavours.  As I reviewed the website, I was enlightening to see the wide range of topics that were researched.   Topics included developmentally appropriate practices, ways to improve family capacity and child health as well as strategies to address poverty and toxic stress.  I was curious and wanted to learn more about the research that was conducted so the following link was accessed:  http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php. 

 

One interesting article written by Hua (2004), addresses ways to engage fathers in the care of their children.  The issues of segregated roles and responsibilities remain challenges within the community.  However, one conclusion that I found surprising was that fathers were reluctant to support opposite sex children because they felt that nurturing interactions with the opposite sex would impact the child’s survival skills.  For example, a father may be more willing to teach a son how to tend to the livestock than the daughter.  Alternatively, the father believed that interacting with the daughter would reduce her ability to be a good caregiver.

 

References

The Early Childhood Development University (ECDVU) ( 2005).  About ECDVU in Sub-Saharan Africa.  School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria.  Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/index.php

Father and daughter. Retrieved on Nobmer 26, 2013 from http://www.usaid.gov/crisis/horn-africa

Father and son.  Retrieved on November 26, 2013 from http://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.ca/2013/03/tswana-are-niger-congo-or-bantu.htm

Hua, R. (2004). Involving fathers in early childhood care and development (Doctoral dissertation, University of Victoria). Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/documents/major_projects/Hua%20-%20MP%20Final%20-%20UVic%20LP.pd

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010).  Blog Assignment: Research Around the World.  Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&
Mother holding daughter.  retrieved November 26, 2013, from http://www.slate.com/articles/business/moneybox/2013/05/unconditional_cash_transfers_giving_money_to_the_poor_may_be_the_best_tool.html