Early years experts meet to think global

The delegates at the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Auckland have come from more than 50 countries, including Iceland, Nepal and Namibia, bringing with them perspectives as diverse as their cultures. Being receptive and reassuring emerged as simple but effective ways that childcarers could support children at times of crisis, while delegates raised subjects ranging from domestic and media violence to the destructive impact of the poverty experienced in developing countries as a result of globalisation.

Violence and peace was one of three key themes of the conference, alongside the role of women and child health. The exploration of the role of women began with a presentation from Siobhan Fitzpatrick, director of NIPPA, the early years organisation in Northern Ireland. She told how a group of women in Pomeroy, a disadvantaged community with high levels of sectarian violence, high unemployment and low educational attainment, had set up a pre-school service where none previously existed. She said, 'We have empowered women, we have begun a journey and created a movement which has become unstoppable.'