This task has not been an easy feat for me. After e-mailing 16 different countries and contacts, I am still waiting patiently for a new e-mail in my inbox (that is not junkmail from some of my favorite stores- haha). Some of the e-mails had not been sent, especially in the beginning of the week when I started attempting to establish contacts- they did not go through because of some sort of technological error that I do not completely understand. After receiving 9 returned e-mails because they had not been sent, I attempted to contact through the UNICEF websites. I have received some responses pointing me in other directions where others could better help, so I am hopefully that these will be successful contacts. I am particularly interested in establishing contacts with Canada and Australia, and am waiting to hear back from Finland as well. To this point, more promising e-mails have gone through to three contacts without the "mailer demon" showing up in my inbox saying that they did not, so I'll keep my fingers crossed! I am hoping to hear back soon!
Expanding Resources:
I am really excited after researching my website of choice, the Children's Defense Fund (www.childrensdefense.org). This website emphasizes the importance of being a voice for all children, and allowing each child to see and accomplish their dreams. Children's Defense Fund was particularly intriguing to me, as I am a special education teacher in an early childhood field. Often it is difficult for children to voice their thoughts, ideas, and emotions at the preschool level. This need to communicate becomes more frustrating for children who have disabilities, most of whom are nonverbal. The idea of an organization reaching out to those children who need support in finding their voice and accomplishing their dreams is very humbling to me. I am excited to continue researching this website and learning more about the Children's Defense Fund.
The image below is 'logo' of Children's Defense Fund (found on their website), created by a child. The words and the image are so powerful- I'll let it speak for itself.
I look forward to (fingers crossed) establishing contacts outside of the US to learn more about early childhood education in various parts of the world. I'm also really excited to explore more of Children's Defense Fund, as it inspires me as a special education teacher. I'm ready for the journey!
Erika,
ReplyDeleteI had some trouble as well, but I I had to go through my ISP server, I use time Warner cable. I asked for tech support and they helped me with everything. Also try your Window Live Mail.
I also picked Australia as my expanding resource. I joined the WebWatch. I already received some information in my email.
Looking to hear from your blog soon,
Sandra
Thank you for your advice, Sandra! :) I will have to check it out. I appreciate your help.
ReplyDeleteErika,
ReplyDeleteI am having difficulty, as well. I have not heard back from anyone, and I really did not want to do the alternate assignment. I emailed someone from each country, and many of the emails have been delayed, or have come back unable to send.
I am remaining hopeful.
Congratulations on opening a child care facility! You picked a great website to follow!!
Susan
Hi Susan! I apologize if I was unclear- I have not opened my own facility rather I an working for a company who has several integrated preschools in central New York. I did work within the company as a lead teacher and was recently promoted to teaching the special education population in the same company. This is a recent change and I am very excited about it. It is so wonderful to work with young children. I look forward to each day :) I consider it to be quite an accomplishment when someone can find a profession that they truly enjoy. Thanks for your comments!
DeleteErika,
ReplyDeleteI am having the same types of problems. The emails are being returned as undeliverable! I so do not want to do the alternative assigment.
Christine
Hi Erika,
ReplyDeleteI am still awaiting response from my emails as well. I wish us both well on our journey to learn more about other countries.
I am sure you will enjoy learning about the Children's Defense Fund. I have been connected to this resource for quite some time. Enjoy exploring!
Becky
The Children's Defense Fund is a storied and noble organization with a rich tradition of advocacy. Many were miffed when President Bush co-opted the Children's Defense Fund tag line "Leave No Child Behind" for his "No Child Left Behind" Campaign.
ReplyDeleteMy only challenge with the Children's Defense Fund has to do with the degree in which religion seems to be integrated into their values. I have wondered if this can make for an obstcle for those of different faiths, particularly polytheist or atheist individuals.
I suppose that this is an odd concern - and yet as a matter of inclusion, religion (to some) often provokes feelings of difference rather than unity.
Gregory,
DeleteI appreciate your comments about the Children's Defense Fund and your challenge of the degree of which religion seems to be integrated on their website. Your inquiry had me intrigued, and honestly wasn't noticed prior not because I did not notice the religious aspect interwoven throughout the website, but because I believe it can be value when incorporated into the upbringing of a child, as it assists in teaching morality and character. I do, however, realize that this is not a belief held by everyone, and it is important to remain in tune with this matter, especially when discussing diversity.
Because of your inquiry I did look into the website further and did a search on religion. I was happy to find information covering Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Baha'i (which I had never even heard of) beliefs. I do realize that not everyone falls into these umbrella categories, and there may have even been more included- this is just what I ran into on my further research of religion on the site. I do agree that religion can be a hot topic and can cause heated debates, but I appreciated that the website incorporated information about many various religions. It seems to be all-encompassing and though does show religion as valued, it seems to respect and acknowledge the varying beliefs of different cultural backgrounds, which I appreciated and hope you will, too. :) I do understand your point, though, that including religion may be difficult, especially for those holding atheist or polytheist beliefs and how religion can occasionally separate individuals rather than unify them. I was, however, excited to see the attempt to acknowledge and seemingly value the differences.
Thanks, again, for sharing your perspective!
-Erika
*It can be of value... sorry!
ReplyDelete