Final International Blog Assignment

Establishing an international contact broaden my perspective of the issues and trends that are in the early childhood field. Poverty affects the quality of education all around the world. In developing countries such as area in India and Africa the effects of poverty on education are worst. Malnutrition, diseases, and civil conflict make it difficult for children to go to school. Children often have to sacrifice education to work and help provide for their family.

Learning about these issues made me value the human rights that exists in the United States. As an African American woman I’m more grateful to live in a country where I have a chance to gain from all the as much educational knowledge as I like. As an early childhood professional I’m motivated to enlighten others about foreign issues in an effort to help others gain a better appreciation of rights, education and the quality of life that exists in this country.

It was interesting to see the different standards and value that other countries place on education. Countries such as Japan, China, and even Canada have a more unified and higher standard for education. As a result it’s harder to become a teacher but the benefits and salary are worth the work. This realization has given me a better understanding on why the education system in the United States has fallen in quality and also ideals of hope for reform and improvement in our schools from Pre-K- 12. I look forward to gaining ideals and experiences from other countries that have a strong education system. I will use this information to enhance the quality in my classroom and other centers.

Out of all the information that I learned I was most impacted by the dedication of the different humanitarian groups in other countries. Groups such as UNICEF, or the United Nations Children’s Fund provide resources to help different countries with food, immunizations, shelters, and education. Their advocacy has inspired me to learn more about what I can do to make a difference not only in the United States but in other countries as well.

One of my grandmother’s quotes to me as a child was, “Get outside of your 9 dots”! As a child I didn’t know what that meant, but as an adult I interpret that quote to mean, move outside of your comfort zone of thinking, working, and helping others. Establishing an international contact has allowed me to get outside of my 9 dots and realize the wisdom that can learned from different countries.