This week we made another frequent connection with our international contact in Early Childhood. My contact name is Jane and she is from Kenya. In my conversations with her, I have learned that issues in Early Childhood are very similar around the world. The only difference would be the available resources to assist the programs policy and or standards.
Jane had shared with me the process she had to undertake when opening her school in Kenya. I found the process there to be familiar to the opening and operating of an ECE program in Maryland. She shared that first one must be trained to teach, fingerprinted by police and have good conduct. Once that is done then you can proceed with obtaining the deed to some land and the public health process.
When it comes to the equity and excellence in ECE, Jane shared with me that the government does not consider ECE programs at all. The parents are usually the providers which are scarce. Government funding is rare in her country and every household can not benefit from it. So in Kenya, there are not many ECE programs and if there are it is up to the program to provide for the needs of the children.
This is great information, Brandi! And I'm so happy you to know you found a connection/educator to share this current issue in education specifically in Kenya, where the system of education is for the privilege few.Your friend certainly don't realize her impact to the children she will serve! She is a modern hero, a Joan of Arc I must say because she just started a trend that can last a lifetime of influence - educating children who are considered the hope of the future.
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