Global Leaders for Young Children

Mission

To improve life chances for young children around the world by providing opportunities where developing early childhood leaders can become effective change agents and advocates for quality early childhood development services in their home countries.

History

Global Leaders was launched at Working Forum Belfast in 2004. To date, mentoring and training has been provided to 55 emerging leaders from 30 countries. Partners of the project include Arab Resource Collective, Bernard van Leer Foundation, Christian Children's Fund, Community Playthings, Creative Children's Learning Centers, IBM Global Work/Life Fund, International Child Resource Institute, International Step by Step Association, NAECCEM, Pacific Preschool Council, Plan International, and Save the Children.

Goal

The central goal of the Global Leaders initiative is "to encourage participants to become more effective change agents and advocates for quality early childhood development services in their home countries." In the short term, by participating in two mentoring sessions, fellows will...

learn leadership and advocacy skills
add perspective to their understanding by learning about policy and implementation issues in multiple countries
gain confidence in their abilities
be inspired to make a difference in their countries

In the long term, fellows are encouraged to put what they have learned into practice by working with the other fellow in their country to launch a leadership or advocacy project.

Global Leaders 2004 - 2005: Class I
Class I Presentations

Global Leaders 2005 - 2006: Class II
Class II Presentations
A History
Photo on Exchange Cover

Global Leaders 2007 - 2008: Class III
Presentations
Advocacy Project
Photo Gallery
Exchange Coverage
Readings

Facilitators
IBM's Global Work Life Fund
Windows on the World of Early Care and Education