In most nations, the World Forum Foundation is represented by an early childhood leader. The role of these National Representatives is to spread the word about the World Forum and to share suggested topics of concern as well as potential presenters with the World Forum program planners.
National Representatives are currently being appointed for the May 2011 to April 2014 term. If you don’t see a National Representative associated with your country and you are interested in serving this role, contact Henry Manani, World Forum National Representatives Coordinator, at [email protected].
| • Africa | • North America |
| • Asia | • Latin America |
| • Europe | • Oceania |
National Representatives Biographies
Jamils Richard Achunji Anguaseh • Cameroon
Jamils Richard Achunji Anguaseh is a children rights activist, Founder and Executive Director of Global Welfare Association (GLOWA), an organization that champions the protection of children from abuse in Cameroon. He hold a Bachelors Degree from the University of Buea, Cameroon. His childhood of abuse has been the driving force in his commitment from raising active children in an environment free of abuse and neglect.
Margaret Akinware • Nigeria 
1. Current Position:
a) Executive Director, Education, ECCD and Gender, Development Action Services and Consulting (DASC), Lagos.
• Conducted a UNICEF-supported survey on Child’s Rights and the promotion of 18 Key Household and Community Practices for Survival, Growth and Development in 6 communities in Osun State, Nigeria, in collaboration with the State Women Affairs Commission from Dec 2007-April 2008.
b) Member, Board of Trustees, Early Childcare Development and Training Initiative (ECDTI, an ECD NGO), Lagos, Nigeria
Hadeel Al Asmar • Syria
Biography coming soon
Ahmed Al Damrawy • Egypt
Biography coming soon
Irma Allen • Swaziland
Irma Allen is an internationally recognized education and environment specialist, with wide experience in development work in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
One of her main interests is to promote and assist the process of integrating environment into formal and non formal education at all levels (specially early childhood).
She resides in Swaziland and has worked there as a teacher, University lecturer, Director of In-service Education, and technical advisor to Projects in curriculum development and teacher education. She also works closely with the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCD) Unit of the Ministry of Education developing materials, training teachers, and monitoring and evaluating ECCD programs.
Apart from her consulting work, she currently serves as Chairperson of the Boards of SOS Kinderdorf, the Baha’i Schools, and the Swaziland Environment Authority. In 1988, she was awarded a Global 500 Award from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Siham Abdulrahman Al Suwaigh • Saudi Arabia
Dr. Siham A. Alsuwaigh is a Saudi professor of Educational Psychology and a Certified Play Therapist. She received her B.S. from Oregon State University, her M.A. from Northwestern University, and her Ph.D. from University of Oregon. Dr. Siham began her career in 1985 as an assistant professor at King Saud University, College of Education, and was promoted to a full professor in 2004. In addition to her teaching and supervision of graduate students, she has served in a variety of administrative positions such as head of the Psychology Department and Director of the Research Centre at the women’s section of KSU. She has also served as an educational consultant at AGFUND (an international pan-Arab organisation). Specializing in childhood education, child guidance and socialization, she has published over 25 research papers in addition to book translations and conference presentations. As a certified trainer, Dr. Siham has delivered an array of workshops in parenting, teacher training, and play therapy in addition to presenting over 80 public speeches and TV appearances in the Gulf region. She has also received several awards for her professional achievements as well as her community services. Over the past few years, she has moved to Bahrain and served as the Dean of Education College at RUW, contributed to Arab Human Development Reports for the years 2003 and 2004, and was also selected to be a member of the official delegation of Saudi academics to some United States universities. Based on her professional and personal experience as a mother of three children, Siham believes that raising educated, healthy, critical thinking and confident children is the most important contribution to the development of any society. She is a strong advocate of women and child rights, and she hopes that during her current work as a Free lance Educational Consultant she will able to contribute to educational reforms and development of ECCE and in the Arab World.
Antarina Amir • Indonesia
My name is Antarina Amir from Indonesia. I have been working in the education field for more than 25 years, when I started to work at the university where I studied. I started then to have passion in education for early childhood when I realized that I have to make a change in the education system in Indonesia and to contribute a better generation for the country. Education at the early ages is the most appropriate means to realize my purposes.
Currently I manage an educational institution located in Jakarta, namely the High/Scope Indonesia, that has a school serving children from early childhood to high school.
Cairo Arafat • Palestine
My educational background includes developmental neuroscience and child psychology. I have spent many years in working to upgrade the areas of early childhood development, psychosocial program delivery, children’s rights, and foreign aid assistance within the Occupied Palestinian Territory. My work has focused on improving national interventions and programs that would enhance the quality of life for children – particularly the poor, marginalized and vulnerable ones living within areas of armed conflict and occupation. I currently hold the title of Early Childhood Advisor to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and am facilitating the process of establishing the National Board for Early Childhood Development and a national website devoted for children, parents and caregivers on early childhood activities. In line with early childhood initiatives, I continue to work with PenMedia in producing Shara’a Simsim (a Sesame Street production for Palestine) that targets edutainment for children 4-7 years of age. I am proud to announce that a team of us are also preparing a national review of the status of children’s rights in Palestine to guide the process of improving and institutionalizing children’s rights within Palestine.
Sana Askar • Qatar
Petits Pas is a newly opened childcare center in Doha, Qatar, with a capacity of almost 120 children. At Petits Pas, we follow a methodology that combine the methods of Piaget and of Montessori. It is also put into practice through an adaptation of the pyramid of Abraham Maslow. With our innovative method, our skilled staff, our modern equipment and our highly developped activities, we believe that the child makes his first step into a bright future.
Our programm focuses on:
- Psycho affective Développement
- sensory-motor education
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Language and communication
- Cognition
- Perception and pre-math
- Pre-reading
- Pre-writing
- Autonomy and independance
As to myself, I am a mother of two boys KAI, 4 years old and KEANU, 3 years old. I have a business background and lately, I had my degree in childcare management. I believe that everything we do with love can only succeed. This is my only answer to people who ask me what did I do to have a very successful nursery in a very short time.
Fortidas Bakuza • Tanzania 
My name is Fortidas R. Bakuza from Tanzania, East Africa. I have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of Early Childhood from programme management, monitoring and evaluation to policy and curriculum development. I have been involved in different initiatives in Tanzania which promote civil society and government partnership in Early Childhood Care and Education.
I am currently working with Tanzania Early Childhood Development Network (TECDEN) as their National Coordinator. TECDEN is a grouping of individuals and organisations working in partnership to influence policies and practices related to Early Childhood Development (ECD) by sharing information, experiences and generating knowledge and understanding on ECD.
The TECDEN’s goal is to create an enabling environment for strengthening the capacity of members to strategically engage in key policy and programme development processes at all levels to influence the improvement of support for holistic development of all infants and young children.
I am also the World Forum National Rep for Tanzania.
Michael Banda • Malawi
Biography coming soon
Anat Bar • Israel
Biography coming soon
Natalie Berg • Ukraine and Russa
Ms. Berg graduated from the Ukrainian State Medical University with a degree equivalent to a Bachelors in Science.
After apprenticing and volunteering with various international relief and humanitarian aid agencies during the 1990s, Ms. Berg has been working as a free lance strategy consultant and international relief work specialist.
She has experience in pro bono educational projects, including Early Learning initiatives, for low income communities, humanitarian aid and relief work.
She worked as a program coordinator and consultant for the Ukrainian Ministry of Family and Youth, and in Family and Youth Division of Kiev Area Administration. She organized and participated in the seminars for orphanages, administrators and teachers; organized programs for large families and underprivileged families, including parenting resource seminars, early learning, and stress counseling.
Her other areas of expertise are: working with large families; post-traumatic stress counseling for youth and children in war zones or after natural disasters; social rehabilitation of youth delinquents; work with children and families with special needs or under special circumstances; organization of language & culture learning camps for children and youth; gifted youth programs; and international humanitarian aid.
Natalie has firsthand experience working and living in over 16 countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Denmark, Moldova, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, Romania, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States of America.
Since May 2011 Ms Natalie Berg is the President of an International Non-Profit Early Literacy Foundation (www.brillkids.org), dedicated to ensuring that all children in the world may enjoy the benefits of early childhood education, irrespective of their background, in correspondence with Millennial Development Goals
Ms. Berg brings international relief, non-profit strategy consulting and early literacy experience to the World Forum.
Maria Burt de Rolon • Paraguay
Sixteen years ago I started Maria’s Preschool, a bilingual preschool (English-Spanish) serving children from 12 months to 5 years old. I have an enrollment of 100 children and a staff of 14 teachers and aides. Also, I am currently president of the Paraguayan chapter of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP).
I have a degree in science of education (Universidad Nacional de Asunción), a maitrise de sciences de l’education (Université René Descartes-Sorbonne), and a master of arts degree in elementary education (University of Alabama). I was born in 1961 in Asunción, Paraguay, where I live with my husband Pedro and three children (Pedro 15, Daniel 12, and Sofia 10).
Ufemia Camaitoga • Fiji
Biography coming soon
Cornelia Cincilei • Moldova
Cornelia Cincilei, Executive Director of Pas cu Pas, the NGO member of ISSA (International Step by Step Association) in Moldova. Started as a regional OSI project, Pas cu Pas was registered as a public association in 1998 to implement the Step by Step Program in Moldova. It was one of the founding members of the International Step by Step Association. Pas cu Pas mission is to promote educational reform by changing teacher training practices and by ensuring quality child-centered, democratic education in classrooms in a real partnership with family and community. It fulfills its mission through many projects, with the support of and in partnership with many national and international organizations. Among major presently implemented projects are: Community School Project (supported by Charles S. Mott Foundation), A Good Start In Life For Rural Children in Moldova (supported by LED/Liechtenstein Development Services based on a tripartite MOU with Moldova MOE), Supporting School Inclusion Of Children With Special Needs (with OSF support). One of the main contributions to country ECD reform made by Pas cu Pas was its close involvement in the national Education For All-Fast Track Initiative (EFA-FTI) project, contributing a lot of its Step by Step experience to the development of the new national Teacher Standards, ECD Teacher Guide, Early Learning And Development Standards ( from birth to 7), Big Books for shared reading, set of thematic posters and other illustrative materials. Under this project the NGO provided trainings for many teachers across the country on the new documents promoting child-centered education.
Kierna Corr • Northern Ireland
I am a nursery class teacher (3 & 4 year olds) in a primary school in Dungannon, 45 miles west of Belfast & have been teaching nursery since before 2001 & have been in the same school since 2002. I was a nursery assistant for a couple of years before that before going back to do my P.G.C.E in Primary Teaching. Prior to that I worked in student politics & marketing. I have my D.A.S.E in Early Years Education form Q.U.B, Belfast.
I was on the Board of Directors of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (N.I.C.I.E) as an Early Years Representative for 5 years and was also on the committee of the Forum of Nursery Teachers, N.Ireland.
In the past year and a half I have started blogging about my class & some of their adventures and have also established a social networking page where parents can see exactly what their children have been doing each day.
In this past year I have made many contacts across the globe with other early childhood educators & have found many inspirational ideas to improve my teaching.
I am the International Projects Coordinator in my school, and in the past 7 years have overseen a 3 year project with kindergartens in Norway, Poland & Italy and a 2 year project with schools in France & Sweden, facilitated by the British Council’s Comenius Programme. I am also an Etwinning Ambassador for the British Council & am involved with numerous on-line collaborative projects with schools across Europe.
I am passionate about my job & believe that everyone working with the youngest children in our education sector need to be an advocate for their rights to learn through a play based curriculum.
I am happily married to a photographer & we enjoy taking short city breaks around Europe.
Nazarkhudo Dastambuev • Tajikistan
Nazarkhudo Dastambuev graduated from Khorog State University, Tajikistan, with a specialty in Oriental Languages (Persian, Dari and Arabic) in 1997. He spent about four years teaching philosophy and logic at the mentioned university, joining Khorog English Program in 2000; shortly thereafter, joined the Aga Khan Humanities Project (Project of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture), working on its Schools Expansion Project. Through this project the team introduced new methods of teaching and later curriculum development into the preschools, primary and secondary education system in Tajikistan.
In 2001, Nazarkhudo attended a course at the University of London, Institute of Education, on curriculum design, development and evaluation; in 2005 found himself at Teachers College, Columbia University, doing an advance course in international education policy development. Mr. Dastambuev has been working with Open Society Institute Tajikistan as the Step by Step Program Director since March 2003 through July 2009. Currently, he is involved with PhD at the Academy of Education of Republic of Tajikistan and the work is about the “Impact of the Step by Step program into the education reforms in the country” with the focus on the rural areas of Tajikistan.
Nazarkhudo Dastambuev served on the International Step by Step Board of Directors as President for the period of 2006-2008 and as Past-President for 2009.
For the period of July 2009 to January 2010 worked as Manager, Administration and Human Resources at the Aga Khan Development Network, Tajikistan.
Effective from January 23, 2010 re-joined Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation Tajikistan as Director of Education Programs.
Nazarkhudo Dastambuev recently been enrolled in the joint Manchester University and Moscow School of Social and Economic Studies (MSSES) Master in Education Management Program for the period of October 2010 through April 2013.
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Zhao Dongyu • China
Graduated from Harvard in 2004, DongYu worked in Boston for 5 years as a technology and educational bridge between US and China. In 2010, she co-founded Enlightenment Child Development Center (ECDCenter) on the belief that our next generation’s opportunities and capability to achieve their full potential and engaging in responsible and productive citizenship are crucial to the vitality and sustainability of the society. ECDCenter believes that humanity, learning capability, mental and physical health of our next generation is the foundation of economic prosperity, harmony communities and a better society. ECDCenter is to advance that vision by shaping a global platform for practices in China, leveraging science and technology to enhance child well-being through innovations in practice, applying knowledge in the services of improving life outcomes for children, harnessing the resources of top research and training programs for teachers, curriculum for children and theories for parents to produce an environment for engaging, interactive, and dynamic learning to ignite a lifelong responsible and productive citizenship for children in China.
Susan Sabaa • Ghana
Biography coming soon
Ruth Phillips Fevrier • St. Lucia
Biography coming soon
Selena Fox • New Zealand
Selena Fox is Chief Executive of New Zealand Tertiary College based in Auckland, New Zealand a specialist early childhood teacher education college. Professional areas of interest and expertise include exploring dimensions of leadership, management and distance /online teaching and learning.
Selena is a member of the New Zealand Ministry of Education’s Tertiary (e)Learning Reference Group and has lead New Zealand Tertiary College’s expansion of its distance study options with the development of ecelearn, an early childhood specialist online teaching and learning initiative, alongside Chip Donohue and the New Zealand Tertiary College academic and IT teams (see www.ecelearn.com).
Eman Gaad • United Arab Emirates
Dr. Gaad is the Dean of the Faculty of Education and an Associate Professor of Special Education at British University in Dubai. She leads the university’s special and inclusive Masters and Doctorate programme. She is currently the Executive Director of UAEDSA (United Arab Emirates Down Syndrome Association) and on Board of Directors of few non-profit organizations in the UAE. She is also on the international advisory board for international peer-reviewed journals and an associate editor for others. Dr Gaad was seconded for two years as the first Director of Disability Services in Dubai Government’s Community Development Authority. A committed advocate for the educational and social rights for people with disability, Dr Gaad is a UNESCO Consultant on inclusion of learners with disabilities in regular schools. Dr. Gaad has published the findings of her research work in international journals and her single authored ‘Inclusive Education in the Middle East’ by Routledge in 2010. She is a recognized international scholar in the field of education of learners with disabilities and inclusion. She works with local communities to help parents of children with special needs to facilitate their placement in regular schools. She is currently a national representative of the World Forum on Early Care and Education.
Veda George • Dominica
Biography coming soon
Karen Graham • Wales
Professor Childhood and Family Studies – Karen has had an extensive and varied career in education. Having taught in a variety of settings the breadth of her work ranges from early years care and education to adult education and workforce development. Prior to leaving education in the school environment to open a day nursery Karen had occupied roles as a deputy head teacher, teaching advisor for curriculum development and special educational needs. She has since been a Director of a series of award-winning day centres across North East Wales – including one at Glynd?r University. As Professor for Early Childhood Studies, she is set to lead cutting edge research projects which will be carried out at the new £2m Centre for the Child, Family and Society.
Her research interests lie in crossing the theory-practice divide for which she was awarded a British Educational Research Practitioner Award.
Magela Guimaraes • Uruguay
I am a nursery school English teacher and former coordinator of a bi-national center. I am married and I am mother of three children: Diego (22), Sofia (20), and Martin (15). Now that my children are grown up I found myself facing new challenges. I can share what I’ve learned during more than 20 years working with children. I’ve got a weekly TV show on a cable channel and also weekly radio show where I can give a voice or a glance to many everyday situations related with children and their families.
I coordinate Smart Learning English that provides resources to early childhood English teachers through courses and creative resources packed in colorful boxes.
Bernadine Ha’amori • Solomon Islands
Biography coming soon
Cynthy K. Haihambo • Namibia
Biography coming soon
Lina Hamaoui • Lebanon
As a graduate from a well respected university in Lebanon, the American University of Beirut, and having continued my studies in Canada and USA in both formal and informal degrees and certificates, I have broadened my scope of learning and action to encompass not only the Middle East but other parts of the world.
I have gained through education, professional experience and ongoing training the required skills and qualifications which are needed to be a successful manager and technical advisor and consultant in the social, education and health professional contexts.
I had the opportunity to be involved directly in Human Rights, Children Rights and Development related issues; having assumed the responsibility of Acting Secretary General of the Higher council for Childhood in Lebanon, and as a free lance consultant for various international and UN organizations as well as local NGOs.
I have conducted several consultancies whereby my duties encompassed planning, monitoring and evaluation and frequently capacity development of national stakeholders, advocacy and production of materials and resources and report writing. Accordingly I have developed professional and personal contacts with national stakeholders from the Governmental, NGO and private sector. I was able to establish networks and effective partnerships respectively.
As database manager at the Higher Council for Childhood, I developed the first national database on Children Rights using Child Info and Subsequently converted it to Dev Info, the latter being the tool for monitoring the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
Furthermore my tri-lingual skills and report writing skills as well as extensive knowledge of human rights terminology and development enabled me to become an adopted translator and editor for various UN agencies as well as the Bar Association in Lebanon.
I have conducted various consultancies pertaining to Management and Human Rights with local and European Consulting companies.
I was directly involved with the World Bank Child Protection Initiative and I am currently working as Technical Advisor at Rene Mouawad Foundation for US-Department of Labor funded Educational Initiative namely “Alternatives to Combat Exploitive Child Labor through Education and Sustainable Services -ACCESS-MENA project”
Laura Henry • England
Laura is the vastly experienced founder and Managing Director of Childcare Consultancy which specialises in training and business support for the early years’ sector. Having first trained as a nursery nurse, Laura moved into nursery management before becoming an inspector for Ofsted, the UK’s early years’ regulator, which seeks to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people.
After a spell as a teacher, Laura’s engaging style and passion for improving early years’ practice moved her to set up her own consultancy in 2006. A popular trainer and author, she is a specialist on operational policies, procedures and management including inclusion, safeguarding children, curriculum, staff recruitment, training and continuous professional development. She has delivered key note speeches at various national and international conferences and workshops, including the most recent Early Years and Education World Forum in Belfast. Laura is currently the UK national representative for the world forum. Laura is also a regular contributor to UK trade publications, including Nursery World. She has two sons and, and lives in London.
Luis Hernandez • United States
Luis A. Hernandez, is an Early Childhood Education Specialist, at Training & Technical Assistance Services -TTAS- at Western Kentucky University. He holds an M.A. in Bilingual/Multicultural education from the University of San Francisco. He is active in a number of organizations in the US that support children and family interests. At the National Association for the Education for Young Children-NAEYC, he is active in the accreditation process, and developing professional and leadership development opportunities.
He currently serves on the Board of the Parent Services Project in California, the Advisory Board of the McCormick Tribune Center for Early Childhood Leadership in Chicago, and the United Way’s Center for Excellence in Early Childhood in Miami.
He has served on the Boards of the Florida Children’s Forum , the Child Care Workforce, and NACCRRA, the Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. A regular interactive speaker at national, state, and local conferences, his special interests include early literacy, second language learning, collaboration and partnerships, changing demographics and diversity, adult learning, and ECE management topics.
At the World Forum this year, he will lead a discussion area on global migration and immigration issues and their impact on children and families.
Soonohk Hong • South Korea
Biography coming soon
Caroline Hudicourt • Haiti
I am a Haitian educator with a B.A in Education and a Master’s degree from Harvard University. As a graduate student, I worked as a student editor of the Harvard Educational Review. I’ve been a school director since 1995, and since 1998 a consultant for Step by Step Haiti, locally called Tipa Tipa. I am presently a founding member and secretary of the Haitian chapter of AFIDES (French Speaking International Association of School Directors) founded in July 2010. AFIDES as an international organization is 25 years old and exists in more than 30 countries. I am one of the authors of My Own Story about the Earthquake in Haiti published by the Children’s Psychological Health Center in San Francisco, Ala yon Bèl Timoun, a Haitian Creole reading method for young children whose content is heavily rooted in the Haitian culture, and of A Mango for Grandpa , a storybook for young children, which has been translated in 14 languages: French, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Arabic and several eastern European languages
Eeva Hujala • Finland
Biography coming soon
Amrita Jain
Amrita Jain is a trained Pre-school teacher. She joined Mobile Creches in 1991. She has been associated with development and production of teaching learning material for the organization. Since the last five years she had led the training team, which has developed training module to orient and sensitize community groups and organization heads on ECCD. She has been involved in training Self Help Groups, from organizations such as Pradan, World Vision and 200 NGO representatives from the Swa Shakti Project.
As “Consultant Advocacy” she has a rich experience in grassroots initiatives for the young child for the organization. She has been on the Governing Council of Mobile Creches since 1996. She will be holding the post of Treasurer for the term 2008-2011.
Mehra Jalili • Iran 
I have been working in Early Education field since 1986. I started my job as an educational consultant in SB University of Kerman Early care Center. At the same time, I also cooperated partly with the Department of Humanities at the university, working onsome research projects.
In 1991, I started my own private Child Development Center, caring for children between ages 2 to 6 and I started the Second branch in 2003. In the year 2001 I with the help of some of my other friends who love children and work for their well-being, established an NGO by the name of Children Friendly Association of Kerman. After working hard along other achievements, we managed to establish a preschool and kindergarten for the children of low-income families and those whose parents or legal guardians by no means could afford to provide early education for their children or even send them to school. There are many other activities this NGO is doing now to help children and their families to have better lives together.
Radmila Rangelov Jusovic • Bosnia and Herzegovina
Radmila Rangelov Jusovic is Executive Director of Center for Educational Initiatives Step by Step, membership, non-government organization, established with the aim to promote democratic changes in the education system of Bosnia and Herzegovina and equal access to high-quality education for all children, by introducing child-centered education and family and community involvement. CEI Step by Step is a member of International Step by Step Association (ISSA), network of organizations from 29 countries in SEES and CA.
As an ECD specialist, Radmila work locally and internationally as a trainer, program developer and consultant, in different areas connected to quality standards, teacher competences, professional development, partnership with parents and many others. She is a former president and member of ISSA Board.
Maria Jürimäe • Estonia
I was born in Tallinn, Estonia (28. 09. 1974).
My father is an artist, my mother worked as a kindergarten teacher, and later as an educator in in-service teacher training.
I am the first child of the family. I have two sisters.
I am married; my husband Jaak works as a professor of sport pedagogy at the University of Tartu.
We have two daughters – Katriina is 4 years old, Eliisabet is 2 years old. They both love to express themselves through arts – singing, drawing, dancing.
I am graduated from Pedagogical University of Tallinn (ma), faculty of philology. I studied the importance of phonemic awareness in Estonian children learning to read.
I begun my work as a hobby-teacher (Children and Youth Activity Centre of Lasnamäe) 1990 – 1999
Later i worked shortly as an adult education organizer (Pedagogical University of Tallinn) 1999.
In 2000 i began to work as a curriculum specialist at the University of Tartu. Http://www. Ut. Ee/curriculum/
Today i am the senior expert on the field of early curricula and languages. I also teach curriculum theory for master students (kindergarten teachers) at the University of Tartu.
The Centre of Curriculum Development and Educational Research was responsible for our national kindergarten curriculum renewal till 2006. Later we participated in the work group. In 2008 the new curriculum is ready and we will soon begin the studies of implementation.
I have written two books “the methodology of teaching to read” (2003) and “kindergarten and curricula” (2008), and many articles.
I participate in….
*gymnastic club rytmika
*international reading association
*Estonian reading association – the member of the board
*the World Forum on Early Care and Education – national representative
My hobbies are singing, gymnastics, arts.
I am especially fond of silk painting, this hobby has already become my second work – i paint not just for myself, but also for friends, friends of friends etc: www.singingscarves.com
I also teach silk painting in several courses.
Margaret Kernan • Netherlands
I have been involved in Early Childhood Education and Care as a practitioner, researcher trainer and consultant for 27 years. Originally from Ireland, I have been living and working in the Netherlands since 2003. A particular interest of mine is the role of play in children’s lives at home, in the neighbourhood and in care and education settings. My current position is Senior Programme Manager in International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI), Leiden, the Netherlands. ICDI is a Dutch non-profit organization with a worldwide brief, and a focus on developing countries. Early Childhood Care and Education is one of ICDI’s areas of expertise (www.icdi.nl).
Munkhzul Khoovoi • Mongolia
My name is Munkhzul. I’m a social worker and psychologist. Since 2000, I have been working in areas of child protection and welfare at Save the Children UK, Mongolia office, and SOS Children’s Village, Mongolia office. I have always worked closely with teachers, parents and families of children who have difficult circumstances, assisting them to be good parents and prevent their children from different forms of abuse and exploitation. Currently, I’m working an Early Childhood Development Center/ECDC/, Mongolia. ECDC is a non governmental organization, aiming to strengthening the professional network, cooperation between mentors, teachers, parents and students, providing and disseminating educational services in the national level, by promoting favorable teaching methods for children birth through primary school. We trying to support children in their early development phases through activities for and by parents and community members.
We believe that in the human life cycle the early childhood phase years is considered the most important phase for every human being.
Soonita Kistamah • Mauritius
I am currently, the Director of the Early Childhood Care & Education Authority, ECCEA, a parastatal body under the Ministry of Education & Human Resources in Mauritius. The ECCEA is the body responsible for preprimary sector in the Republic of Mauritius. I am the chairperson of the National Library of Mauritius, a parastatal body under the Ministry of Arts & Culture, since 2007. As part time lecturer of the Charles Telfair Institute in the field of Early Childhood Education, I have been involved in the development of a Teacher’s guide for “Inclusion & Integration of Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood Education”.
Dhirendra Lamsal • Nepal
Mr. Dhirendra Lamsal founded International Child Resource Institute in Nepal in the year 2004. He provides leadership to several programs which aims at serving children at most risk and their families in Nepal. He has been providing technical assistance to the Network of Children, Prisoners and Dependant (NCPD) from March 2003 and continues to play a central role in its development. Mr. Lamsal is one of the prominent NGO management experts having multifaceted knowledge of early childhood care and development.
He possesses broader knowledge and understanding of the conditions of orphaned, displaced and vulnerable children including the national child and family serving policies and systems of Nepal. Mr. Lamsal was involved during formulation process of “National Plan of Action for Children (2004/05–2014/15) in Nepal.” He has been an Advocate of ECD around the world upon the award of “Global Leader for Young Children-2007″. He held various positions for HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Treatment Programs targeted to IDUs, FSWs and their children during 1996-2003. He has presented numerous working papers and delivered seminars on early childhood education and care and HIV/AIDS in many countries around the world.
Lati Letsela • Lesotho
I am a citizen of Lesotho who received formal education in both Lesotho and South Africa. I am a teacher by profession who holds a Bachelor of Arts with Education degree, Bachelor of Education degree and Masters of Education in Applied Language Studies. I work for UNICEF and have eight years’ experience of advocating for children’s rights, managing funds, designing and managing programmes for UNICEF Basic Education for All Programme including Early Childhood Care and Development. I have interest and experience in ECD programming: I participated in the development of Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) for Lesotho; have been coordinating efforts for conducting age validation for the ELDS; have been the ECCD Focal Point; have been coordinating IECCD Policy and its Strategic Plan’s development and advocacy towards official adoption by Cabinet; I am responsible for recruiting consultants in the area of ECD, for example, I facilitated recruitment of the consultants who undertook research on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Of Parents/Caregivers And Other Service Providers Of Children Aged 0 To 8 Years; consultants who developed ELDS, and those who developed IECCD Policy and its Strategic Plan. I am responsible for resource mobilisation for the ECCD programme; I am responsible for capacity development of both government counterparts as well as civil society organisations especially on ECD matters; and for coordinating ECD multi-sectoral issues within UNICEF Lesotho Country Office. I am also a UNICEF Gender Focal Point responsible for ensuring that gender is considered in all UNICEF programming and recruitment including during parenting education.
Maria Fernanda Levis • Puerto Rico
Since 2002, Maria has dedicated her life’s work to positively impact society in education and health causes. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health and another in Public Administration from Harvard University where she was granted a fellowship in Social Entrepreneurship and is certified as a Montessori Teacher for Infants, Toddlers & Twos by the North American Montessori Center. She is a founding member Fundación Chana y Samuel Levis – an organization that empowers children’s social and emotional intelligence and Mentes Puertorriqueñas en Acción (Puerto Rican Minds in Action)– a movement of young people committed to the socio-economic wellbeing of Puerto Rico. She has served on the Board of Advisors of the Center for the New Economy, National Council for la Raza Kids Count Initiative, Puerto Rico Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Coalition for the Continued Support of the Homeless of San Juan. She is also a fellow of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, an Alumni of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Philanthropy Workshop and a Representative of the World Forum on Early Childhood Education and Care.
Martha Llanos • Peru
Martha Llanos is a Human Development Specialist from Lima, Peru, however she considers herself a world citizen. Her permanent life mission is to contribute to the flourishing of children; she has a worldwide pioneer work in the field of early childhood development and was the first UNICEF Regional Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean. Her extensive contribution to the well being of children, women and families in more than 50 countries was recognized with the Nathalie Masse award from the International Children Centre in France in 1988.
She studied Psychology at the Catholic University in Peru and her post graduate studies at Strathclyde University in Scotland and Nijmegen, Netherlands with specialization in Developmental and Social Psychology. She initiated her professional life as researcher in the field of poverty and human development, with pioneer studies on intellectual functioning of children in deprived areas, patterns of child rearing, transitions home and schools, family and school values and interactions. She is involved in the theme of “ Resilience” the capacity of human beings to overcome and transform adversity and best examples are the indigenous children and women, she plays tribute and recognition to the values and knowledge of the original people. She has lived with indigenous people in countries of three Continents, Peru, Nepal and Lesotho.
She has recently been awarded recognition from the Peruvian University as an Honorary Professor and Extraordinary Researcher for her contribution towards understanding children and women in poverty contexts and her commitment towards inclusion, diversity and peace.
She loves music, dance, theatre and storytelling. As an artherapist she is contributing to the healing of children in emergencies and armed conflicts worldwide.
She has pioneer work on early childhood in many international organizations: UNICEF, World Bank, UNESCO, World Health Organisation, World Food Programme, Van Leer and others. Currently she is an International Consultant devoted to evaluation and planning of early childhood programmes and to the advocacy and development of policies for the fulfillment of children’s rights.
Carole Logie • Trinidad and Tobago
Dr. Logie is the Chair of the National Council for Early Childhood Education and a lecturer at the University of the West Indies. Her area of specialization is early childhood care and development and during her thirty years of international and regional experience in the field of early education, she continues to be an advocate for children. As an international consultant she has worked for the Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank, Unicef, and The Bernard van Leer Foundation, she continues to work as a consultant to teachers and policy makers in Hong Kong, Europe and the Caribbean.
She enjoys sharing experiences with children and has worked as a preschool teacher in Spain, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Dr Logie is the Administrative Director of The University of The West Indies – Family Development and ChildrenÕs Research Centre on the St. Augustine Campus. She is the Caribbean representative and Executive Member of The World Forum for Early Childhood Care and Education- the International Association for early childhood policy- makers, educators and administrators.
Judith Loh • Malaysia
Judith Loh, founder and director of her own Child Care Centre since 1978. She was a community social worker in the rural and plantation sectors, working with children and families. Her experiences have motivated her to feel the need to support families in the care of their children through education and resources. Her happiest and most rewarding role is to connect families together through Mother’s Support Group. She has successfully built a network of Mothers near and far (from emigration) that connects emotionally and intellectually for the benefit of their growing children. Her joy is seeing the children of these families being part of a BIG family that extends love and care.
She pioneered the Association of Registered Child Care Providers of Malaysia, the first and oldest Child Care Association in the country. Presently, with Mdm Radziah Daud, they pioneered the National Association of Early Childhood Care and Education of Malaysia (NAECCEM) serving as its Vice President and privileged to be a World Forum Alliance Member. Mother of two teenage boys and a friend to her staff.
Henry Manani • Kenya
I been in the area of early childhood care and education for over 26 years. Basically am a trained teacher; taught at secondary school, lectured as a Teachers’ Training College, an ECDE curriculum developer at Kenya Institute of Education, a TOT, a community mobilizer in ECDE, and a National Program Coordinator of the National Centre for Early Childhood Education.
I have participated in and made presentations in many both local and international forums on issues and matters on ECDE.
I begun participating in World Forum activities in 2003, first as a delegate followed by being a National Rep for Kenya, a global leader, a member of the International Organizing Committee (IOC), and now the coordinator of the National Representatives for the World Forum.
Elena Markevi?ien? • Lithuania
My primary professional and research interests are focused around the problems of a child’s perpetuity in the kindergarten-to-school transitional period. At this time of their life, children extremely need support in order to feel safe and be confident in their capability to cope with the new demands, arising from the unknown environment.
My master thesis “Social and Emotional Adaptation for School,” series of children exercises books “Advancing Towards the School” and the work “System for Observation of Children Learning Motivation” – all are concentrated at the problem of a child’s transition and adaptation to school.
In recent years, my research activities are focused on examination of children drawings as a channel of expression of their emotions and experiences. My new field of interest is Reggio Emillia education system and wide introduction elements of this system into practice in my country.
My regular job position is director of Kindergarten and, together, director of Pedagogical Center. As a teacher, I have courses in Pedagogical University. Also, I am elected as a president of OMEP Lithuania.
Vera Lucia A. Melis Paolillo • Brazil
Qualified pedagogist, Master of education from University of Houston, USA, (PhD), Doctor of Administration: Educational Management, Specialist in teacher training and Early childhood. Experiences in coordinating pedagogical public network of São Paulo University as teacher, supervisor and school leader.. Head of Department and Coordinator in undergraduate and master’s degree in education at Mackenzie University, Researcher in the area of Childhood, Educational Consultant for national and International Foundation IBM/ distance education, Educative Television Canal Futura, UNICEF , IBM, and Sesame Street, among other organizations and cities in the training of teachers and Educational Team.Coordinated the area of education of the ORSA Foundation. National Representative of Brazil at the World Forum Foundation/FELLOW (www.worldforumfoundation.org), Global Leader for Young Children to Brazil since 2005. Coordinated UNESCO Office for the State of São Paulo. Guidance of masters and numerous students of doctorate program. Director President of Zero to SIX Institute, President of OMEP/BR/SP. Member of Red Latin-American Association Pickler Loczy. Member of the Council of ABBRI , Board member of the editorial Committee of the Educational Magazine Patio ECED Researcher at University state of Campinas (UNICAMP) .Published books and articles in various International Educational courses. Member of the Working Group ONDESIGN for places and spaces for children( Berkley). International Board Member of ITLA ( Toy library association).
Sembu Mermer • Vanuata
Biography coming soon
Ulviya Mikayilova • Azerbaijan
Delfena Mitchell • Belize
Biography coming soon
Manjusree Mitra • Bangladesh
She is an Early Childhood Development activist since 1997; working in the area of Early Childhood Care and Development for the International NGOs in Bangladesh. The organizations she belonged were Plan International, Save the Children US and Presently with NETZ Bangladesh country office. She engaged herself as a Science teacher in a school at the beginning of her career. Joined BRAC in 1992, the largest NGO in the world as a Team In charge for the Non-Formal Primary Education Program for the rural poor children. Involved in policy level advocacy and played a strong role in forming and establishing an ECD Network for Bangladesh jointly with UNICEF as ECD program personnel of Save the Children US. Worked closely with national and international ECD experts for developing ECD curriculum, capacity building of teachers and staff in Plan Bangladesh, Save the Children USA and presently supporting ECD program at NETZ Bangladesh under the Education Programs. Establishing and strengthening network of local and national organizations for helping child friendly environment development in mainstream schools, awareness building of parents through parenting, material development and developing community based ECD centers for spreading the technical know-how and innovation of ECD in the national level.
She studied Botany in Chittagong University in Bangladesh and also earned Advanced Diploma in primary education management specialist from the King Alfred College under South Hampton University in UK and presently doing Advance Diploma on Human Development (Early Childhood Development) under the Aga Khan University in Pakistan. Represented Bangladesh in the World Forum Foundation’s Annual Conferences since 2007, presented papers in the learning sessions, wrote articles on the experiences from the WFF’s programs and shared learning in the native organizations. She is the National Representative of WFF for Bangladesh.
Elsa Mokgwaela • Botswana
Biography coming soon
Gibson Nchimunya • Zambia
Biography coming soon
Hajara Ndayidde • Uganda
I am 51 years old with twenty-three years experience in primary school teaching, teacher training, developing programmes and working with under privileged groups mainly in the area of early childhood development, community mobilization and training and material development. I have hands on experience in work that is geared towards enhancing early childhood education and development for under-privileged communities, conflict and post conflict areas. My work experience is based on several early childhood theories and specifically from the work of the High/Scope educational research foundation and the Madrasa Pre School programme in Uganda in particular and in East Africa at large.
Currently, the work am involved in, emphasizes parental and community involvement and ownership to ensure that children are exposed to quality early childhood education and later get an opportunity to start formal schooling at the right age and be able to stay in and succeed in their learning. I have expertise in participatory methods, early childhood approaches, resource mobilization and developmental skills, development of materials, manuals and guidelines, monitoring and evaluation and facilitation skills. With this expertise, I have assisted organizations and Ministry of Education departments to develop an ECD Learning Framework, ECD advocacy materials, Training manuals and Guidelines for Early Childhood Development.
I have worked as a primary school teacher, a teacher trainer and a project director of an Early Childhood Development programme and now a project officer for early learning and stimulation. I work with central level government departments, district local governments and civil society organizations in implementation of ECD. I am also supporting and working with government on developing a comprehensive policy framework for ECD, a nationally acceptable early learning and development standards and programmes targeting specific interest groups such as pastoralist, faith based and emergencies. I have been involved in formulating ECD policy of the education sector, development of a curriculums for 0-3, and 3-5 years for Uganda, establishment of a National ECD Forum under ministry of Gender labour and social development, developing advocacy materials with ministry of education, development of training framework and designing accreditation procedures for ECD centres and training institutions in the country.
Janet Ndeto Mwitiki • Kenya 
Janet holds a degree in education from Kenyatta University and is currently undertaking her MA (E.C.D) in Kenyatta University. She has worked as an administrator, teacher and trainer for more than 10 years. She has conducted numerous program assessments for the International Child Resource Institute for the early childhood program. She is very well versed in-depth interviews and environmental assessments through observation and interaction with staff. Janet has excellent facilitation skills and has conducted several training for ECD teachers and in child abuse prevention and child protection, and is also the Designated child protection officer. Janet is passionate about working with community based groups to help them improve their programs. She was appointed as a Global Leader in 2009 by the World Forum on Early Care and Education in recognition of her work in supporting the African families. Prior to joining ICRI Africa, she worked as an Administrator at Moi Air Base pre-primary school for over ten years.
She is currently the National Representative for Kenya for the World Forum on Early Care and Education.
Helle Nebelong • Denmark
Biography coming soon
Zohra Nisar • Pakistan
Biography coming soon
Dr. Nektaria Palaiologou • Greece
Dr. Nektaria Palaiologou is Assistant Professor in “Intercultural Education” at the Department of Early Childhood Education-School of Education of the University of Western Macedonia in Florina, Greece.
Since 2006, she is Associate Editor of the “Intercultural Education” Journal, Taylor and Francis. Since 2010, she is elected as a Board Member of the International Association for Intercultural Education (IAIE).
Since 2010, she is the National Representative of Greece for the Word Forum Foundation.
Dr. Nektaria Palaiologou has published four books (in Greek), 30 articles as Journal publications and about 70 articles as Conference Proceedings. Prior to her current position, Nektaria was teaching on part-time basis at seven Greek Universities the Intercultural Education modules.
Her research interests focus on educational policy issues for immigrant children in Greece, on teachers’ education and training in the field of Intercultural Education and currently on citizenry issues for migrants.
Iria Diana Collaco e Pereira • Mozambique
Biography coming soon
Patsy Pillay • South Africa 
Patsy Pillay, political activist, Social Worker and ECD activist, has dedicated her personal and professional life to Early Childhood Development (ECD), and supporting the role of ECD practitioners for the past thirty two years. She holds a Masters Degree in Education, Social Work (Hons) and a Diploma in Adult Education. She is the Director of New Beginnings, a not for profit ECD Training Provider in KZN, involved in training predominantly black women in ECD, HIV and AIDS education, prevention, care and support.
Patsy was appointed as the first Chairperson for the Standards Generating Body for ECD, and has served on various task teams in developing qualifications and standards including Gender and Community Development under the auspices of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). She has received many accolades for her work in ECD, including receiving a prestigious Fellowship from the MAC AIDS Fund Leadership Initiative to train on HIV and AIDS at Columbia University, New York in 2008 and being featured in the Mail and Guardian’s Book of South African Women (2011). Patsy is the current South African National Representative on the World Forum on Early Care and Education.
Martine Pitt • Australia
Biography coming soon
Swati Popat Vats • India 
Swati Popat Vats leads the franchising, publishing, teacher education and child education wing of Podar Education Network as its President. As of 2012 the company has over 120 preschools, daycares in India. She also heads the early childhood teacher training program for the company and has set up over 16 centres. Since 1986, Swati has taught classes from K.G TO P.G (kindergarten to post graduate) but chose to focus her research and creativity on elevating the cause of preschool education in India. She wants to help refine the teaching learning experience in preschools to enhance the 98% brain development that occurs in children at this age and has designed a philosophy called ‘Kiducation’ for her centres.
Swati is also the President of the Early Childhood Association of India, leader for India of the World Forum Foundation and leader for Asia of the Nature Action Collaborative for Children.
Swati has authored 10 books on parenting and children, is a strong advocate for child rights, and is actively working to create awareness about the prevention of child sexual abuse. Making passion and compassion the only language of preschool education, Swati Popat Vats – educator, author, educational entrepreneur, puppeteer, parenting expert and nature advocate – understands learning as something not restricted to schools but part of everyday living.
K. Seng Raw • Myanmar 
Biography coming soon
Glory Ressler • Canada, East
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Drama-in-Education, and a graduate diploma in Gestalt Psychology, Theory and Methodology. I also have 20+ years of experience as a community developer, adult educator, presenter, and group facilitator. I specialize in the use of a variety of asset based and participatory planning, group facilitation, action research, community development and teaching/training methods.
I am currently the Community Development & Projects Manager at the Early Childhood Community Development Centre (ECCDC) which is located in Niagara, Ontario, Canada. In this role, have managed two federally funded Understanding the Early Years community based research and development projects and co-developed and then managed a province-wide Mentoring Pairs for Child Care project. This work – and the research it generated and shared – has garnered local, provincial, national and international attention and is still impacting early learning and care at the systems management and grassroots levels.
I am a three time award winning community development consultant for innovative work in my home area of Niagara, Ontario. I have also successfully worked and partnered with over 150 regional, provincial, national and international organizations, associations and conferences. I am interested in projects and initiatives that engage and empower multiple aspects of the early childhood care and education system, build communities of practice and the collective capacity to provide the best sustainable and equitable early learning and care systems and services as possible – particularly in the areas of leadership development, mentoring, community based research and outcome measurement / evaluation.
Isabel Salatiel • Papua New Guinea
Biography coming soon
Anette Sandberg • Sweden
Biography coming soon
Reeta Sonawat • India – Southwest
Dr. Reeta Sonawat is a professor and head Department of Human Development S.N.D.T. Women’s University. She is elected as Dean Faculty of Home Science. She was selected global leader Early Care and Education by World Forum Foundation, Montreal, 2005.
As an international leader in Early Childhood Education she was invited by U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and cultural affair, Washington D.C., where she discussed the overview U.S. education system and federal leadership in early childhood education. She has visited innovative Charters Schools and Magnet Schools, Sept. 6-26, 2009. She has visited George Washington University, Rutgers University, Arizona State University, and University of Arkansas.
For post doctoral research, she worked on project “Integrated Education in Kinder Gardens and Primary Schools” in Bremen University, Germany.
She underwent training in Early Childhood Education with Reading Difficulties at Golda Meir Mount Carmel institute and Training center, Haifa, Israel.
Dr. Sonawat is a recipient of National Award for Teacher Trainer in innovative training for the project “IMPROVING CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT TOWARDS QUALITY IN EDUCATION “ and Faculty Research Fellowship by Shastri Indo Canadian Institute for project titled “Adolescent of Minority Groups, Sense of belongingness to society”. Rotary Foundation Awarded Rotary Grant for university Teachers as a Rotary Ambassador of Goodwill. She was Visiting Professor at the Atma Jaya Jogjyakarta University, Indonesia for three months. She has been invited as speaker and presented papers in Athens, Brasilia, Montreal, Jogja, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Reggio Emilia, London, Belfast, Manila, Auckland, Honolulu. Recently she has published few books.
Kenny Spence • Scotland
Kenny Spence is a tireless campaigner for the need to have more men working in childcare. He was responsible for the setting up and success of various childcare initiatives, including the hugely successful Men in Childcare Project, which has had over 900 male students undertake childcare training. The Project which started in Edinburgh expanded across Scotland and is now U.K. wide.
Kenny in partnership with One Parent Families Scotland was also instrumental in the setting up of the Lone Fathers Project, which enables fathers to gain better parenting skills as well as giving them a chance to mix with other men who are in the same predicament. As Manager of the Gilmerton Child & Family Centre he set in motion an easy learning and accessible computer system for children, which resulted in him being invited to speak at the IBM Conference in Amsterdam. Having spoken on the subject of Men in Childcare at conferences all over Europe he is now in partnership with a host of countries from the European Union, in the Men in Childcare European Network which helps push forward the Men in Childcare ethos on a European front.
Sue Sterling • Canada (West)
Sue Sterling originates from the Nlaka’pamux Nation in Merritt, BC. She currently sits with the Dumdehmyoo(Bear) Clan with the Nadleh Whut’en Indian Band from the Carrier Sekani Nation. Her traditional Aborigine name is “Gwanawar” which means “Black Swan”. She is the mother of two beautiful children; Darian and Brittani and they keep her active and busy with their many ventures in life. She is an Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Consultant for the Interior Region of BC and that is housed with the Okanagan Nation Alliance. She participates on the Board of Director for the British Columbia Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS); is a part of the Aboriginal Steering Committee for the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) of BC.
Bernadette Tachivona • Zimbabwe
Biography coming soon
Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga • Vietnam
Biography coming soon
Kevin Foday Wando Thoronka • Sierra Leone
Kevin Foday Wando Thoronka, a Sierra Leonean citizen, born 9th December 1971 in the city of Makeni, Sierra Leone. I attended the Baptist Secondary where I obtained a school leaving certificate which enable me to read and obtain an Associate Degree in Community development and Appropriate Technologies at the Yegesie International Open College.
In 2000, I am the Project Officer of Manjawor Farmers Association; I was able to undertake 2 funded projects from the USA Embassy’s Self Help fund in Livestock development and Water Wells projects.
In 2004, I became involved with ChildHelp Sierra Leone as a Social Development Director, where I totally involved in the issues of Early Childhood development as a social object. During this period, I have traveled a lot to many African countries on how undertake social activities for children and have presented papers during the Pan Commonwealth Forum – Commonwealth of Learning in Jamaica and UK on “Unleashing the Power of Adolescent Girls” and “Non-Formal primary education as the best tool for Underdeveloped nations”. As Social Development Director, I brought in flavor and taste that build up ChildHelp Sierra Leone.
Ruzanna Tsarukyan • Armenia 
Ruzanna Tsarukyan is an alumnus of E. Muskie Program funded by US government. She has graduated from the University of Toledo (Ohio) in 1996. After graduation she worked with the Open Society Institute in Armenia and held the position of National Education Coordinator. In 2000 R. Tsarukyan became the Executive Director of “Step by Step” Benevolent Foundation (SBS BF) which is a spin off NGO from OSI Armenia.
R. Tsarukyan and her organization are actively involved in education reform process in Armenia. SBS BF is widely recognized across the country for its innovative programs implemented at preschool, general school, and HED levels. R. Tsarukyan is an active NGO leader and educator. She is involved in major activities geared toward improvement of early childhood care and development services. She was the leader of preschool curriculum development team in Armenia in 2008. R. Tsarukyan was a member of National ECD Standards Development team and was responsible for development and validation of ECD standards for children 0-6. R. Tsarukyan is a member of International Reading Association. Her NGO is member of International Step By Step Association (ISSA), and R. Tsarukyan has been serving in the Program Committee of ISSA since 2008. R. Tsarukyan is a member of Collegium of the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia.
Ikem Ugochikwue • Benin
Mr.Ugochikwue Ikem is a children activist, social worker, school administrator and educational consultant. I was born in August 17, 1970, and happily married to Ngozi Bright, a Biochemist.
Due to my passion to contribute my best to improve the education and care of children in Benin I started a local NGO called ONG Social Education Support which today is a legal recognized non-governmental organization in Benin Republic. At present I serve as the president of this organization.
I am a member of World Organization for Early Childhood Education [OMEP] and serve the position of the national coordinator.
School administrator with International Early learning schools, Cotonou Benin Republic.
I have attended many international trainings and workshops organized by OMEP and other organizations on early childhood education and care.
Locally I work with network of NGO working on ECD program. Presently I am the PIAPE-Benin project Director, It is a project that comprises-Toy Library [PROLUBE], WASH in Schools, Food and Nutrition and Health. This project on its complete development will be implementing on pilot stages in other West Africa countries through the help of partner NGO. I want to tell all that my bio-data will not be complete without expressing my passion to work for children.
Denise Zara • Philippines
I am a 29 year-old Filipino teacher and owner of a kindergarten called “Camelean Academy” which opened in 2007. We work with children from age 2.6 to 6.5 years old and offer a curriculum that utilizes a healthy combination of progressive and traditional approaches.
I finished my Master’s degree in Basic Education Teaching at the Ateneo de Manila University. I am a wife and (soon-to-be) mom and have been teaching since 2005. I am passionate about teaching children and I am willing to study again, do volunteer work and just continue improving myself to better serve not just children who attend my school but the less fortunate. Ultimately, my dream is to open a center for them in the Philuppines.
As a teacher and administrator, young and new at that, I try wearing different hats to fulfil what is expected of me. It is both overwhelming and fulfilling. Every success, disappointment, struggles and joy I charge to experience. I find pure joy in being with children and as I always say, I am a teacher first, before an administrator.
Raed Abu Hayyaneh • Jordan
Education
[2002 - 2004] The University of Huddersfild, UK
MA Education (Human Resources development)
Education Art
[1984 - 1989 ] Yarmouk University – Jordan
B.SC Environment / Geology, Science Collage
Professional Experience
{February 2008- Present} Save the Children – Jordan
Outreach Specialist – Early children hood. We develop and implement a community program in the 10 NGO’s. This with cooperation with local people and parents. The target group in Iraqi and Jordan families.
{November 2007} Iraqi – Erbil, working with WHO Iraqi office as consultant short-term.
Leading the development and implementing training for Environmental education and outreach program. (Working with Ministry of Environment at Erbil). The target group was teachers in schools and NGO’s leaders at Erbil, Duhok, and Suleimanieh. I have support them to establish Nature conservation program in each schools at the target areas. We develop the local environmental tool book for the students.
{Sep 2006- January 2008} Save the Children – Jordan.
Project manger – Community Mobilization for Health lifestyles Program Manger – (JHCP). Working with MOH and 15 NGO’s to develop the first national network for healthy lifestyle.
{May 2001 – 2006} Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN).
Head of Environmental Education and awareness Department. Develop and lead the Environmental education and awareness strategy in Jordan. Working with Ministry of education to integrate environmental concepts ion national education system. Develop the community program in the protected areas.
{2000-2005} Outreach and Educational Consultant for the Red Sea and gulf of Adan conservation program (PERSGA).
Participate in development the educational and community program in the target areas.
{May 1998- 2001] Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN).
Assistant Head of Environmental Education and Awareness section. Project Manger for Environmental Toys-RSCN- Canadian Fund
Project Manger for Environmental Toys-RSCN- Ford Fund
Project Manger for Curriculum Development – RSCN-Netherlands Fund
{June 1994-1998} Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN).
Education Coordinator.
{September 1989- January 1994} Royal Geographic Center (RGC).
Remote Sensing Department and Pubic Relation Department.
Raed working with team of Khatawat program (Steps):
-Increases children’s access to early education through the creation of new kindergartens and the renovation of existing facilities.
-Enhances the quality of children’s development and learning by introducing ‘learning-through-play’ approaches in the kindergarten classroom, improving teachers’ knowledge and skills and supporting the leadership capacities of center supervisors.
-Incorporates ‘Child Friendly Spaces’ and child protection concepts and approaches within a holistic, interactive kindergarten curriculum in line with the Ministry of Education’s Interactive National Curriculum and international standards.
-Engages parents and communities in early childhood education and development through activities in the community, classroom and at home.
Khatawat partners with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development, and community-based kindergartens in urban and rural areas throughout Jordan, as well as with parents and whole communities in the areas surrounding the kindergartens.
Africa
Benin
Botswana
Cameroon
Jamils Richard Achunji Anguaseh
Egypt
Ghana
Kenya
Lesotho
Malawi
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Nigeria
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Swaziland
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Asia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain / Saudi Arabia
Bangladesh
China
India – Delhi
Amrita Jain (Mobile Creches)
India – Mumbai
India – Southwest
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Jordan
Korea, South
Lebanon
Malaysia
Mongolia
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Palestine
Philippines
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Tajikistan
United Arab Emirates
Vietnam
Europe
Armenia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Denmark
England
Estonia
Finland
Greece
Northern Ireland
Italy
Lithuania
Moldova
Netherlands
Russia
Scotland
Sweden
Ukraine
Wales
Latin & North America
Belize
Brazil
Vera Lucia Anselmi Melis Paolillo
Canada
Canada, West
Dominica
Haiti
Paraguay
Peru
Puerto Rico
St Lucia
Trinidad and Tobago
United States
Uruguay
Oceania