Global Children's Initiative

In 2006, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University was founded "on the belief that the vitality and sustainability of any society depend on the extent to which it expands opportunities early in life for all children to achieve their full potential and engage in responsible and productive citizenship" (Center on the Developing Child, 2012).

The Global Children's Initiative has three essential objectives.
1. to reframe public discourse about the early childhood period
2. to support innovative, multidisciplinary research and demonstration projects
3. to build leadership capacity in child development research and policy

 Based on the three objects, the Global Children's Initiative builds activities in three realms. 
1. early childhood development
2. child mental health
3. children in crisis and conflict situation

Center on the Developing Child. (2012). Harvard University. Retrieved on July 28, 2012, from: http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/globalinitiative/

Sharing Web Resources

The specific sections that seemed relevant to my current professional development were the blog, success stories, and regional highlights.  These sections shared information about issues around the world, as well as, stories of hope and encouragement.  I particularly liked how you could select the country you wanted to know more about.

After reading a blog on The Global Fund for Children 2012 Summer Newsletter speaks about we need to take global action against child labor.  This opened my eyes to the severe hardships children go through.  It also made me realize that there is a lot to be done to protect the children around the world. 

The Global Fund for Children 2012 Summer Newsletter contains information that adds to my understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field.  Hilary Clinton, among many others support Global Fund for Children and their partners. 

From exploring this newsletter, I have gained new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field.  It takes devoted organizations and partnerships with many others with the support of economists, neuroscientists, and politicians to support early childhood. 

Poverty in China

• According to the Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre , about 15 to 31 urban individuals living in China are in poverty.  

• There are about 4.2 million children living in absolute poverty and another 8.7 million children living in disadvantaged conditions.

• Poverty is more prevalent in western China than eastern China.  Western China has a higher child mortality rate than the nation. 

http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/index.php?action=coutryo

Sharing Web Resources

The Global Fund for Children: http://www.globalfundforchildren.org/

The Global Fund for Children is an organization that envisions all children being valuable and sympathetic citizens of a global community. Global Fund for Children strives to provide the tools for children to have self-respect and pride that is necessary for future growth.  They work with creative community based organizations and the vulnerable around the world.  The issue that caught my attention from the newsletter was child labor.  It is estimated that 215 million children are involved in child labor around the world.