Presentation by- Priyanka Zutshi

Global Leader, IndiaSeptember 15, 2010

Back to SchoolCreating a space for early childhood

education in colleges in India

Objective to create awareness on early childhood education

among students in various colleges across India through a colloquium

to enhance perspectives on early childhood education through talks and presentations in colleges

to attempt to integrate a component on early childhood education in the curriculum of some colleges

There is no “buzz” around early childhood education in colleges/ universities

Most students are not interested in pursuing options in early childhood education

Most colleges in India have not integrated early childhood education in their course curriculum

Context

Approach

Identifying colleges to participate in the colloquium (sending invitations, developing and putting up posters, hosting a webpage for the colloquium)

Holding one-on-one meetings with head of departments of select colleges

Following up with individual students interested in making submissions for the colloquium

Sample of communication media

CoverageColleges that were

approached Lady Irwin College, Delhi Tata Institute of Social

Sciences, Mumbai Xavier Institute of

Communications, Mumbai Dhirubhai Ambani

Institute of Communications

Stella Maris College, Chennai

Vidya Sagar Institute, Chennai

Colleges that submitted entries for the

colloquium Vidya Sagar Institute Stella Maris College Dhirubhai Institute of

Communications

Student Submissions: A quick snapshot 3 submissions that address the inclusion aspect

(i.e. Diwali, A Giving Tree and Transportation) Two submissions which aim to enhance creativity

and promote joyful and fun learning One submission on digital drawing techniques

Next steps Organize a colloquium for students to share their

projects with each other Create a rewards and recognition program for these

“ECE fellows” Fellows badge Certificate Opportunities for them to publish their works in

magazines/ newspapers for children Organize visits to other cities in India (to understand

the context of ECE in other regions)

Next Steps

Make presentations to undergraduate and post-graduate students in colleges in universities

Develop “case studies” on early childhood education which could be used/ integrated in the curriculum followed by some departments

Challenges

Generating participation from the “niche” colleges was not easy

Adjusting your schedule to the academic calendar followed by colleges

Coordinating across cities

Lessons on Advocacy Draw up a timeline but also be prepared to see shifts

in your timeline Focus your communication to suit the needs of the

target audience Present a clear value proposition Leverage your existing networks (reach out to other

Global Leaders, alumni, faculty etc) Ensure constant and sustained follow up Maintain communication with the target audience

(long periods of silence are detrimental) Create colorful and eye catching material to draw

attention

Lessons on leadership

Prioritize your objectives- work on those activities that you can action quickly

Know your limitations- reach out to others Get a better understanding of your audience and

context of operations

Thank you