Association
for Childhood Education International (ACEI)—I chose this organization because
I believe in its mission statement and appreciated the fact that it placed
emphasis on professionals as well. The Association for Childhood
International’s mission states, “Our mission is to promote and support in the
global community the optimal education, development, and well-being of
children, from birth through early adolescence, and to influence the
professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to
the needs of children in a changing society” (ACEI, 2011). As a professional in
the field, I am glad to know that there are organizations that are committed in
not only the healthy development of young children but also professional growth
as well.
The
Amala Foundation (2014) was founded in 2001 as organization committed to
uniting and serving children from all parts of the world. The Amala Foundation assists
those in need affected by war, abuse, neglect and extreme poverty, just to name
a few (2014). I chose this organization because it was able to reach children
and other individuals through summits, camps, and other humanitarian projects,
which to me allowed them to reach a greater audience.
The
United Nations Children’s Fund (n.d) was another organization that appealed to
me. The statement that stuck out to me in connection with the UNICEF was, “We
advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper
care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person’s future”
(UNICEF). This statement allowed me as a
professional to see that the job I do each day is critical to young children
regardless of sex, religion, ethnicity, or ability. It is organizations like
the ones above that allow professionals and families a platform to advocate for
early childhood education and education for all.
Job
Opportunities
One
job that appealed to me is an Education Cluster Coordinator-3, Bamako, Mali. I
chose this job because it affords me the chance to travel, would grant me the
opportunity to interact with natives of the country and make my mark on their
early childhood education field. The skills needed to perform the job are as
follows:
·
Advanced university degree in the
combination of the selective disciplines relevant to the following areas:
Education; Primary Education, Economics, Social Sciences, or a field(s)
relevant to international development assistance.
·
Formal training in cluster co-ordination
and/or demonstrated experience of effective high level co-ordination and
chairing of meetings
·
At least 5 years of professional work
experience at national and international levels in fields relevant to
Education.
·
Demonstrated professional technical expertise
in education in emergencies, early recovery and post-crisis transition.
·
In depth understanding of and trainings
related to Education in Emergencies (INEE Minimum Standards, Cluster
Coordination etc.)
·
Excellent advocacy skills particularly in
relation to advocating for education provision in humanitarian crises
·
Excellent written and verbal communication
skills
·
Demonstrable understanding of international
humanitarian response architecture, co-ordination mechanisms, humanitarian
reform and action
·
Understanding of the humanitarian funding
mechanisms including (i.e. Consolidated Appeals Process, Central Emergency
Response Fund and Flash Appeals)
·
Fluency in French and English. Knowledge
of the local language (Bambara) an asset.
·
Experience working in the UN or other
international development organization an asset.
The
other organizations did not offer employment opportunities but all three
organizations offered volunteer opportunities and ways to donate.
References
