At its recent meeting the EI Executive Board adopted a report on the first EI Task Force on Early Childhood Education (ECE) meeting held in Malta. The report was presented by the chairperson of the Task Force, Haldis Holst of UEN/Norway.
Members of the Task Force agreed to map out early childhood education policies, systems and practices in each region. The data gathering exercise involving the following countries, is currently underway: Benin, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, The Gambia, Ghana, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Senegal, Sierra Leone, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, USA and Venezuela. A report comprising a general overview of ECE policy and practice at global level and an analysis of the data gathered from the above countries will be compiled and presented to the EI Executive Board.
The next meeting of the Task Force will be held in Accra, Ghana, in September 2009 alongside an ECE African seminar. This seminar will enable EI member organisations in the region to share information on early education initiatives in their individual countries and to develop strategies for ensuring that this important EFA goal is achieved. The Danish National Federation of Early Childhood Teachers and Youth Educators (BUPL) has been working with The Ghana National Association of Teachers and other EI member organisations in West Africa to promote Early Childhood Education. The lessons learnt from this development cooperation initiative and experiences of the various members of the Task Force will enrich the seminar.