Organisations

ECDVU's mission is to further develop African Early Childhood Development (ECD) leadership capacity as a key strategy in support of child, family and community well-being and broader social and economic development. The ECDVU is an innovative and multi-faceted approach to addressing ECD leadership needs in Africa. It is a training and capacity building program for ECD, using face-to-face and distance learning methods. These include two to three-week seminars, web-based learning, video-conferencing, and a "community of learners" strategy within cohort countries. Unlike most academic programs, candidates for the ECDVU are not solely self-selected. Instead, the names of ECDVU candidates emerge from an in-country process that brings together an inter-sectoral ECD "committee" to identify significant early childhood goals for the country in the years ahead. In light of these goals, the committee members then select from among interested applicants three or four of the most suitable ECD leaders to be forwarded as their "national candidates" for participation in the ECDVU

The primary function of the ETDP SETA is to facilitate skills development in the education, training and development (ETD) sector. They run a varity of courses, for example courses and units which can be taken in supporting children and adults living with HVI/AIDS in ECD settings. The elective unit is suitable for educators, caregivers and community workers working with adults and children in group, informal or family settings [see http://www.etdpseta.org.za/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=463 fro more information]

Kumarian Press caters for information needs around development, globalisation, conflict and peace, gender, civil society, NGOs, microfinance and health. Catalogue and ordering form available online.

The Centre for Childhood, Development and Learning is based in the Faculty of Education and Language Studies at the Open University. It is an interdisciplinary faculty based on six different centres focusing on education, language and comunication and children. Michael Woodhead is professor of childhood studies, with research interests in interdisciplinary childhood studies, applied research and policy analysis, international studies in early childhood education and care, children's rights and child labour. Amongst other things, he has written a publication for the Bernard Van Leer Foundation entitled 'In search of the rainbow - pathways to quality in large-scale programmes for young disadvantaged children'. This book examines issues of quality development in early childhood programmes, focusing on cultural variables relating to communities and individuals

The mission of the International Institute of Child Rights and Development is to enhance the capacity of individuals, organisations and governments to effectively use the UN convention on the Rights of the Child. Their projects focus on engaging children as positive partners of change, supporting indigenous children in education, protection of children with HIV/AIDS, and creating a culture of children's rights. Their method of working is through capacity building activities, establishing networks and partnerships at the local level, carrying out community consultations and undertaking child-centered participatory research. They work with children of all ages from the early years upwards. Their publications are strongly orientated towards cultural diversity and rights of children, and tend to be practical manual guides in implementing a rights based approach

MIDIRS supports midwives efforts to keep up to date with knowledge and current practicea through its publications, workshops and a range of information services. Topics include, adolescents, breastfeeding, cancer, neonatal care, postnatal care and pregnancy. Publications can be purchased online at http://www.midirs.org/mshop/shprod.nsf/welcome?openform