Research Around the World

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is committed to  improving the quality of life for children and their families in Africa.  Their efforts are continent wide efforts with ECD leaders addressing capacity building and leadership development in Africa.


Some of the current research topics include: Leadership skills training for administrators and parent support training for caregivers, 2) Curriculum development  using community resources, 3)Strengthening the capacity of grandparents in providing care for children less than 8 years old affected by HIV/AIDS, 4)Assessment of interaction and stimulation in single parent low income families, 5)Involving fathers in early childhood care and development.


Insights about early childhood from exploring this international early childhood site:  ECDVU uses a generative curriculum approach. Some characteristics of this approach is 1)learner-focused approach which is drawing as much as possible on the learner's experiences in their personal and professional lives 2)ecological approach-placing individuals, programs and policies into an interactive and dynamic context and seeking to plan activities and interventions to maximize resonating impact throughout the larger ecology 3) capacity building approach-aiming to strategically strengthen the capacities of participants to effectively fulfill their mandates in their professional position and to be accountable to their constituents and the broader ECD community in their countries.  Although most education activities claim this a general purpose, the ECDVU addresses capacity development in a specific strategic manner.


-ECDVU sees great potential in leadership capacity building through face to face interviews, on the job learning, web-based learning and network building.
-ECDVU candidates were chosen by their country committees as emergent leaders to function as key interactors within  and outside their countries.  Participation in ECDVU is an investment in improving the well being of children, families, and communities in their countries.  Participants are evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in moving forward 'agendas for children' in their countries.   






http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php