Cultural Integration in ECD

Tradition and cultural valuaes are heavily embeded in developing countries because they have praticed those traditional norms, values and cultural believes for centuries. Therefore, they feel ownered if any insitution or National/ International Non Proffit Organizations (N/INGOs) tries to incorporate those norms into thier programs.

In order, to be a successful Early Chilhood Development (ECD) inatiators, one might need to follow the following simple but important guidelines;

 

1- Carryout a needs assement task to understand the contexual needs and trational or cultural practice before iniating the program

 

2- Reflect on those needs and try to link those cultural valuaes and practices with the ECD plans to make the content more contextual pratice based

 

3- Demosntrate creativity in incorpurating the cultural practices in the new generation to win the local hearts

 

4- Always refelct back on its constructive and areas for improvement to have an action research cyclical approach

 

5- Document and keep records in wrriting, phtographs and videos

 

6- Publish simple success stories and make fliers to share with visitors, parents and local communities

 

 

7- Particiapte in national and international conferences to share information with bigger audience for a professional eye view to refine the program

 

When this happens, the ECD program would be more specific, focused, relevant according to the contextual needs and cultural values. it will enable the local communties to particpate in the program. Moreover, it will create an acceptance within the local communities. Ultimately, it will make the foundation of ECD stronger and powerful for the change process in the next generation.