Welcome to the United Nations
8th February 2024, CSocD62 Side Event organized by the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP) in collaboration with other NGOs brought together global experts to address the challenges faced by millions of forcibly displaced children worldwide.
The moderator, Suna Hanöz-Penney, Director of International Programs, AÇEV— Mother Child Education Foundation (Istanbul-Turkey), emphasized that millions of children around the world are suffering from the effects of poverty, hunger, inequality, armed conflicts, violence, forcible displacement, climate change, impacting their development and future generations. She highlighted the need for global solutions to build strong foundations for sustainable development, social cohesion and to promote a culture of peace, stressing the critical role of Early Childhood Development (SDG 4.2).
Mercedes Mayol Lassalle, World President, OMEP (World Organization for Early Childhood Education) advocated for the inclusion of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in legal frameworks and global initiatives, stressing the significance of a collective effort required to advance the proposal for a UN Decade for ECEC.
Kate Schwartz, Senior Research Scientist, Global Ties for Children, New York University, presented important data on successful use of remote and play-based learning with the youngest children in protracted crisis situations, but stressed that lack of data and WIFI connectivity are critical barriers.
The President of Sesame Workshop, Sherrie Westin, showcased Sesame Workshop's initiatives, including the partnership with the International Rescue Committee to provide early education to displaced children. These evidence-based practices strongly support the integration of ECEC in humanitarian responses, leveraging multimedia and innovative approaches for maximum impact.
Marciana Popescu, Professor, Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service, shared insights on forced migration, emphasizing the importance of addressing the challenges faced by displaced children also in NYC, stressing the urgent need to facilitate their access to services, in particular to education, including ECEC.
She highlighted community-based initiatives like Her Migrant Hub, focused on increasing access to health and mental health services for women asylum seekers.
Divya Lata, Global Early Childhood Education Program Lead, UNICEF, explained findings of scientific studies showed attitudes towards gender roles have deteriorated amid COVID-19 while outdated social norms and stereotypes continue to hold society back from reaching gender equality. She stressed that quality ECD has a significant role to play in tackling gender inequality and gender socialization processes right from the start.
The discussion highlighted five specific areas for further policy exploration.
1. Integrate ECEC in Social Protection Policies:
-Prioritize ECEC as a foundational element of social protection policies for displaced children, ensuring equitable access to quality education.
2. Invest in Holistic Support:
-Provide comprehensive training for ECEC educators, incorporating strategies for language learning support, psychosocial support, trauma-informed care, and culturally congruent teaching practices.
3. Leverage Technology for Inclusion:
-Harness technology and innovation to extend the reach of ECEC interventions, especially in remote or crisis-affected areas, addressing the digital divide.
4. Strengthen Inter-Sectoral Collaboration:
-Foster collaboration among education, health, protection, and community stakeholders to deliver holistic support and maximize impact.
5. Monitor and Evaluate Impact:
-Implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for ECEC programs, utilizing data to inform evidence-based policies and practices.
By heeding the insights and recommendations of the speakers, Governments, humanitarian agencies, and civil society can collectively work towards ensuring that no child is left behind.
For more information about the 62nd Commission for Social Development (CSocD62), please visit: https://social.desa.un.org/csocd/62nd
Source: OMEP