Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

As we work in week 6 of our Capstone course, we were given the task of taking our job search within the ECE community a step further, beyond local and national levels on to the international realm. Once again, we needed to research organizations and agencies that work with and for children, families, and/or the ECE community worldwide. Next, we needed to focus on at least three organizations that we are interested in and share job opportunities available in these organizations.

First of all, I chose to focus on one of my favorite organizations that works both nationally and internationally - Save the Children. I had listed this organization as one of my national organizations but I have so much respect for the work they are doing internationally, as well. I have researched this organization in prior courses and have been following it closely since discovering it over a year ago. The Save the Children organization works in "120 countries, including the United States" working to "put children first - giving them what they need to grow up happy and healthy" (Save the Children, 2015, p.1 para. 2-3). One of my favorite parts about this organization is that it is working within the United States to help children here, as well as reaching out to over 100 countries throughout the world to help children and families in any way possible. It is inspiring! In looking into their job and career opportunities, you can search for jobs within the United States or jobs world wide. Globally, there are a  variety of positions available, such as an Education Manager needed world wide, a Legal Volunteer needed in London, Child Protection Advisor and Child Protection Coordinator in Central African Republic, Response Team Leader in Syria, and more. Of all the positions I had discovered on a global scale, I was most drawn to the Education Manager position, which can be completed world wide as needed,  but is currently based out of Syria due to the crisis taking place there. This position would require the individual to help train and create a successful program, suitable to the needs of the children and families there. It would require training individuals to teach and finding and providing a location, resources, and more. I think it would be a wonderful way to experience helping children and families in a different capacity!

Secondly, I also chose to research FHI 360, or the Family Health International, organization for my second resource. As stated on the Vision and Mission statements of the organization's webpage, "FHI 360 envisions a world in which all individuals and communities have the opportunity to reach their highest potential…to improve lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development" (FHI 360, 2015, p. 1 para. 1-2). This organization believes in key characteristics and ideas, such as mutual respect, passion, and teamwork, which I believe wholeheartedly are at the core of any successful endeavor. Immediately I was drawn to this organization based on their values, vision, and mission. This organization has positions available in close to 50 different countries, including the U.S. When researching job and career opportunities, once again I found a variety of positions available, such as intern, management, director, and other positions located in a variety of countries. The position I found most interest in was the Partnership Associate who oversees many operations and the relationships and partnerships created in the process. This position is located in Washington, D.C. but does work internationally.

Lastly, a third organization I was interested in and began researching is called the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI). Once again, this is an organization I had researched and followed on a national and international level since early on in my Walden courses. ACEI is an organization that is focused on the educational opportunities young children receive worldwide. "ACEI is a global community of educators and advocates who unite knowledge, experience, and perspectives in order to exchange information, explore innovation and advocate for children…our mission is to promote and support the optimal education, development, and well-being of children worldwide" (Association for Childhood Education International [ACEI], 2011, p. 1 para. 2-3). Additionally, ACEI shares that their vision is that "every child in every nation will have access to a quality education. This education will prepare children to become responsible and engaged citizens, ready for life in a changing world" (ACEI, 2011, p. 1 para. 4). This organization is also near and dear to my heart as I wholeheartedly believe in their mission, vision, and basis for creating their organization. ACEI does not have any job or career opportunities listed, that I could find, on their website; however, there are opportunities to join as a volunteer, sign up to be a member and receive publications and attend conferences, or become an intern. To be an intern, you must work and reside in Washington, D.C. area for 8-12 weeks, often during spring and summer months, to complete internship. Often times, the work of an intern is based around data, research, and attending or running meetings. Volunteering can be done directly with the organization, in affiliation with the organization, or independently through a recommended list of volunteer opportunities, such as holding a "Mini Summit for Childhood" or an Education Diplomacy Day, organizing a book drive,  creating a book club or education club about important concerns and issues within ECE, and more. Of these opportunities, I think it would be enlightening and interesting to spend a summer interning in Washington, D.C. for ACEI. I feel there would be so much to be learned about education internationally and what could be done to improve it!

Once again, I feel as though this experience was interesting and a great opportunity to consider what educators and advocates can do outside of the classroom atmosphere to help make a difference for children and families. It is nice to have additional options and perspectives to consider as we near the end of our Walden chapter in this education journey!



References:

Association for Childhood Education International [ACEI]. (2011). About us. Retrieved from http://acei.org/about-us/about-us.

FHI 360. (2015). Vision and mission: FHI 360. Retrieved from http://www.fhi360.org/about-us/vision-and-mission.

Save the Children. (2015). About us - Save the Children. Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6146405/k.C7E9/About_Us.htm.