Alternative Assignment Global Children’s Initiative

Attempting to establish a global wide approach to early childhood development the Center on the Developing Child has launched the Global Children’s Initiative as the centerpiece of its global child health and development agenda (Global Children’s Initiative).

Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website introduces a global initiative that will educate our policy makers with an understanding of the importance of early child development beginning at birth. The organization also supports expanding global understanding of how healthy development happens, how it can be derailed, and how to get it back on track. Last build leadership capacity in child development research and policy—focused on both individuals and institutions—in low- and middle-income countries to increase the number and influence of diverse voices and perspectives that are contributing to the growing global movement on behalf of young children (Global Children’s Initiative).

I have gained insight to the three domains: early childhood development; mental health; and children in crisis and conflict situations.
1) Early childhood is a global concern for all nations with a focus on the poor and poverty stricken.
2) Mental Health is affected by severe health issues related to HIV/AIDS in Rwanda; and
addressing child maltreatment and mental health in other countries.
3) Children in crisis and conflict situations. I truly think this can be a broad area and include children all over the world. Not only do we have nature crisis in different parts of the world, but we also have children here in the United States that losses a mother of father to war daily. Due to the economical situation more and more families are finding themselves hungry and homeless. Crisis and conflict has no boundaries as to whom it will affect.

I find it to be true; the wealthier are always in a better position to provide for their children regardless of what nation they live. Our lower and middle income families suffer the most: less health benefits, less accessibility to quality early development facilities, just not enough generous people to help those less fortunate. Who suffers? Everyone!

Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University. (2011). Global Children’s Initiative retrieved (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative