ECDVU students are researching indigenous storytelling in Uganda and its relation to early childhood development. Students are analyzing the story themes and discovering these stories have purpose and function. Myths, legends, tales, and fables help mold character, shape morality, and promote socialization of children. These stories should be integrated into healthy early childhood development in Sub-Saharan African communities where storytelling is a tradition.
ECDVU values capacity building within communities, because they recognize this skill is essential for sustainability, especially when services in a community end or loose funding. The ECDVU site highlights initiatives in Tanzania. One surprising fact is that the ECDVU approach is very similar to Walden University. ECDVU has a generative curriculum which is learner-focused, ecologically focused (interactive), co-constructive (relies on school curriculum and experience), multicultural, cohort driven and historical (explore evolution of theories).
Overall, when I reviewed ECDVU student research, the general theme was families, vulnerable children, and communities. Before I started this Early Childhood Studies program at Walden University, I had not taken the time to consider the holistic nature of early childhood development. I love what I am discovering!
Joy,
ReplyDeleteLast class I had my international contact from Kenya. He shared with me many of the same things you wrote about through this program Camp Ohana, I am going to contact him and ask him about the ECDVU and if it has an effect on his organization. Thanks!