Getting to Know Your International Contacts Part 2

Information I have gained while viewing the Harvard website is that Harvard has a global commitment to global work that represents an acknowledgement of moral responsibility to meet the needs of all children and a critical investment in the roots of economic productivity, positive health outcomes, and strong civil society in all nations, from the poorest to the most affluent. One essential, cross-cutting aspect of the Center’s approach is the commitment to work collaboratively across disciplines and institutions, drawing together the best and most creative expertise available to achieve the Initiative’s goals.

Harvard’s Global Children’s Initiative seeks to advance the Center's core mission globally by implementing research, public engagement and leadership development in child health and development that is grounded in science and engages researchers, public leaders, practitioners, and students from a wide range of institutions around the world.

The Global Children’s Initiative has begun to build activities in three domains. The three domains include areas in early childhood development, child mental health and children in crisis and conflict situations. Each of these domains is guided by faculty working group that facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration; design and implement new projects; and engage additional faculty, students, and collaborators beyond the Harvard community.

Other countries being helped by the Harvard Global works include Zambian Early Childhood Development Project. The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University launched the Zambian Early Childhood Development Project (ZECDP) in 2009, a collaborative effort to measure the effects of an ongoing anti-malaria initiative on children’s development in Zambia and addresses the knowledge gaps of the Zambian children.

Brazil is another country being assisted by Harvard’s Global work with Applying the Science of Early Childhood in Brazil. In collaboration with local experts, this project aims to use the science of child health and development to guide stronger policies and larger investments to benefit young children and their families in Brazil.

This project represents an opportunity for the Center to work with Brazilian scholars, policymakers, and civil society leaders to adapt the Center’s programmatic model for the local context in order to catalyze more effective policies and programs that will, foster a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable society.

Together, these organizations will engage in activities that build a scientific agenda and community of scholars around early childhood development. It’s really great to see that Harvard is assisting these international countries with issues that will help make sure children are receiving the education and medical attention they need.