Investing in the Youngest: ECCD in Emergencies_Hanna Jamal_4.25.13
1. Investing in theYoungest:
ECCD in Emergencies
Hanna Jamal, Plan International USA
CORE Group Spring Meeting
April 25th
, 2013
Hanna.Jamal@planusa.org
2. Plan’s Approach to ECCDPlan’s Approach to ECCD
- Rights based, child-
centered and
community-led
- Guided by the Four
Cornerstones *Global
Consultative Group on
Early Childhood Care
and Development
1. Start at the
beginning
2. Provide new
opportunities for
discovery and
learning
3. Make schools ready
for children
4. Address policies on
ECCD
3. ECECCCDD
• Emphasis on the
care
• Strengthen
capacity of
parents, other
caregivers and
community
members as they
create the
protective
environment for
children.
4. ECCD in EmergenciesECCD in Emergencies
- provides
immediate, life
saving, multi-
sectoral support
for young
children from
conception to 8
years.
- should be
supported by all
sectors
Children in emergencies suffer from extreme neglect,
both physically and emotionally.
Psychosocial Support is Key!
5. Advocacy & Program SupportAdvocacy & Program Support
• Advocacy report targeting
governments, donor
agencies, and general
public
• Program guide for
implementing staff
• Organized by sector,
phase of the
emergency, and
target group
• Builds on existing
tools and resources
7. Case Study: NigerCase Study: Niger
• Supported formation of mother’s
groups using ‘model mothers’
• Supported health workers to carry-
out regular monitoring of
children’s growth
8. ECCD Through Different PhasesECCD Through Different Phases
Disaster Risk
Reduction &
Preparedness
•Identify suppliers for items
needed for young children in
emergencies
•Stockpile essential medicines,
first aid kits, hygiene kits, and
ECCD materials for play and
learning
•Identify safe places in the
communities for possible
relocation of ECCD centers, health
posts, preschools, and primary
Promoting resilience
through Tales of Disaster
(Plan Philippines)
11. Supporting Young Children withSupporting Young Children with
DisabilitiesDisabilities
Preparednes
s
Collect information about
young children with
disabilities in disaster
prone areas
Develop contingency
plans with health clinics
and disability service
providers
Offer guidance on
preparedness actions to
parents and families of
Response
Include disability questions
in rapid assessments
Include young children w/
disabilities in community
play groups & temporary
learning centers;
encourage joint activities
where all children
participate
Recruit extra volunteers &
caregivers in areas with
high numbers of children
with disabilities
Recovery
Work with disabled people’s
organizations, parent
groups, & community
activists to advocate for
disability to be included in
gov’t policies
Facilitate participation of
children w/ disabilities and
their families in activities
such as awareness raising,
needs assessments, M&E,
etc
Ensure sustained access to
services for families of
children with disabilities
12. Plan Haiti & PAZAPAPlan Haiti & PAZAPA
• Partnership before &
after Haiti earthquake
and cholera outbreak
• Research on
emergencies &
children with
disabilities
• Situation of children
with pre-existing
disabilities notably
absent from disaster
response evaluations
in Haiti
13. SummarySummary
• ECCD in emergencies saves lives and
futures!
• Protects children from physical,
psychological, cognitive and socio-
emotional harm
• Creates new opportunities for vulnerable
groups i.e girls, children with disabilities
• Must be supported by all sectors
Want to talk for a minute about that extra “C” in ECCD. We hear ECD and ECCD often used interchangeably, I think we’re all talking about essentially the same thing. But at Plan we sort of insist on using that extra C in ECCD put extra emphasis on the aspect of Care in child development. Borrowing from Bronfenbrenner’s theory of Ecological Systemsl child development takes place in a series of nested ‘systems’ from the individual to the family, school, community, and so early childhood programming has to look at child development from the perspective of strengthening capacity or caregivers and community members to provide a protective environment for children. Especially important in circumstances where that environment might be broken down or weakened therefore making children even more vulnerable; communities affected by HIV/AIDS, conflict, natural hazards. Focus on vulnerable and marginalized children: Reference work in East Africa?
Want to talk for a minute about that extra “C” in ECCD. We hear ECD and ECCD often used interchangeably, I think we’re all talking about essentially the same thing. But at Plan we sort of insist on using that extra C in ECCD put extra emphasis on the aspect of Care in child development. Borrowing from Bronfenbrenner’s theory of Ecological Systemsl child development takes place in a series of nested ‘systems’ from the individual to the family, school, community, and so early childhood programming has to look at child development from the perspective of strengthening capacity or caregivers and community members to provide a protective environment for children. Especially important in circumstances where that environment might be broken down or weakened therefore making children even more vulnerable; communities affected by HIV/AIDS, conflict, natural hazards. Focus on vulnerable and marginalized children: Reference work in East Africa?
When disasters stirke, children can be separated from their family, lose their support structures, suffer abuse and neglect. Further, children may not get basic services such as sufficient nutrition, health, and learning opportunities. - Can be life saving by providing nutritious food, health care, shelter, and psychosocial support in a safe and nurturing environment - Emergencies can heighten stress that children experience which has long lasting effects on their development - Most emergencies last 3 months to 1 year or more: Children develop so quickly so even temporary disruption of ECCD can push a child’s development back and negatively affect investments and efforts made before the emergency When disasters stirke, children can be separated from their family, lose their support structures, suffer abuse and neglect. Further, children may not get basic services such as sufficient nutrition, health, and learning opportunities.
Ensure locally available materials – toy making workshop
Ensure locally available materials – toy making workshop
Ensure locally available materials – toy making workshop