A research project in Ghana, South Africa, addressed the training received by child care persons and volunteers. It has found that these persons care for children in deplorable conditions such as with inadequate food, unsafe water, lack of toys and materials, lack of buildings with roofs, and lack of medical immunizations or records. The research results suggest care takers did not have the knowledge necessary to remedy the deplorable situations, and require training on physical, social, and health issues relating to children. Urban training has been suggested. Another research project in Ghana, South Africa, addressed the supervision and coordination of early childhood programs within the country. Currently, an unorganized system is in place. This research project began with in interview process, and ended with observations.
In Tanzania, South Africa, studies are being performed to remedy the sustainability of services after support has been withdrawn. It is apparent that preschool services thrive while being supported from outside sources. Once the financial and physical support disappears, the preschool services have a tendency to decay. The study addresses community support for the preschool program after outside supports vanish.
In Zambia, South Africa, a research study was done to assess the care levels of children living in orphanages, and to pilot an assessment tool to monitor the care provided by the orphanages. In Zambia, epidemic HIV outbreaks are creating a high rate of orphans in need of care.
In Nigeria, South Africa, research was performed to try to reduce the rate of mortality in children less than five years of age living in homes for children without mothers. These homes are highly populated due to the HIV epidemic. It was found that the caregivers in these homes have a lack of training, money for care, and time for child stimulation.
These research projects seem to primarily target the basic needs of children. Many of the projects identify poverty and illness as independent variables. The levels of poverty and the amount of orphaned children due to the HIV epidemic are staggering! During a previous course, I made contact with a child care director in north western Africa. I asked her about conditions in southern Africa, and received a seemingly unconcerned response. In her eyes, and in the eyes of persons attending her preschool, the problems are far away, and do not concern them. They are on the same continent, but live in different countries. In the United States our citizens take an active approach to events in other states and other countries. This indifference alarmed me!
References
University of Victoria. (2005). Early Childhood Development Virtual University. Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.ph
Mary, Your post was very interesting. It saddens me to hear the devistating results of poverty and HIV in Southern Africa, and an educator in the same country replied of disconcern. I quess this is why it is so important for us to be educated in conditions around the world. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour For Children; Debbi
Mary, I enjoyed your post and as an African, I want to say the issue of training for people who take care of children is yet to receive needed attention in most African countries just as quality early childhood care and education has not been considered for real attention by various governments in African countries.
ReplyDeleteAfrica as a continent is divided into about 4 or 5 regions( am not sure). While Zambia is in South Africa region, Ghana and Nigeria are in West Africa region, and Tanzania (I think) is the East Africa region