I first chose to explore the World Association for Infant
Mental Health (WAIMH). This is a membership required organization that seeks to
explore ways to improve the overall well –being and healthy mental and
emotional development of infants worldwide by taking into account factors
relating to culture, geography, and environment. This organization seeks to
find scientific research and resources to assist all infants globally. Since my
paper revolves around infants and early childhood mental health I felt this
organization was a great resource to learn what is currently taking place
worldwide with this issue. I felt this was very exciting to find out about, and
could prove to be an excellent resource long term.
Next, I looked at Plan International. This is an
organization similar to UNICEF. The premise behind this organization is to
assist all children globally with increasing their overall chance of success by
promoting their potential and strengths despite environmental stressors. While
education is one factor that Plan heavily supports, other factors such as
health and safety are much larger concerns. As Maslow points out, basic needs
of safety and security must first be met in order to work on other needs. Once
again I am very interested in how to serve children educationally that have
challenges related to safety and security. Also, I have always wanted to go and
work in India or Latin America when my children are all old enough to endure
the travels, so this organization speaks to me on a personal level as well.
Lastly, I researched the United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This is a group sponsored by
the United Nations to bridge the gap between different countries and cultures
in order to promote global collaboration on topics relating to education,
health and safety, and communication. In terms of education this organization
works to bring educational opportunities to all children of every nation in a
safe and humanitarian manner. This organization offers a wealth of information
in terms of resources, journal articles, and current events worldwide on topics
pertaining to education. The amount of information this organization offers is
tremendous and I feel that it offers useful and valuable resources.
I recently read on LinkedIn that individuals who volunteer
are more likely to land a job, due to the experience they gain volunteering as
well as the networking opportunities. With that in mind I found internships available
through UNESCO. An individual must be enrolled in a graduate or post graduate
program in a field that UNESCO supports, such as education. The internship last
for 2-6 months, and while there is no pay for the position it offers
supplementary experience and education to standard coursework. Individuals must
speak and write English, be proficient in MS office, as well as have a student
Visa. While I don’t plan to pursue my Doctorate degree just yet, this would be
a great opportunity for someone that does plan to do so.
i think this post is really great and it reminds me that if I was younger and not married these are all the opportunities that I would take advantage of. I would like to find some local organizations like this that I could contribute to.
ReplyDeleteDear Mandy,
DeleteI like UNESECO as well. Did you find yourself not eligible for paying positions that we need different types of experience and not more education?
This was very surprising to me.
Haley
Dear Mandy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting about your various interests in international early childhood organization. I get more information after I read your post. Particularly your last paragraph when you write that individual who volunteers are more likely to land a job. I found it really true and it gives me insight to plan to broaden my involvement in volunteer work here not just in school community where my children attend, but also to volunteer in humanity works in the country where I live. Even though as the expatriate I am living from country to country, I would be able to contribute to the society where I live.
Thank you for great insight, Mandy!
Regards,
Evita Kartikasari
Mandy, Your post was very interesting to read. I enjoy finding out about more organizations. I have now added these organizations to my list as resources. Mental health is so important. There is a high percentage of children with mental health issues. I feel that creating and invovling parents we can find out how professional teams can help to support and intervene to create positive outlooks.
ReplyDeleteI have earned much through your posts and reading through your blog.
Mandy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your post because you provide me with some new information regarding these organization that I might want to check on my free time.