In a collaboration with the International Step by Step Association, we hosted a 2-part online Peer Learning activity exploring the concept of core capacities and its implications in early childhood education and care.
The first part was dedicated to presenting and discussing the “What Makes Me?” report on core capacities. Several participants were intrigued by how the notions of “physical, emotional, mental and spiritual” development were encapsulated in a UN agreement such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child. They were keen to explore how core capacities could fulfil this promise of holistic development to children.
In the second part of the workshop, participants reflected on their own practices in early childhood that might promote or protect core capacities. Looking at what conditions might support the development of core capacities, the group highlighted accepting everyone’s uniqueness in learning, contextualising practices to different profiles of children, and discerning “good enough” practices from those that might do harm. Some participants also pointed out the need for promoting core capacities in digital environments, as a critical space of our post-pandemic world.
The peer learning activity concluded with a discussion on the definition and role of spirituality in child development, and imagining how core capacities might contribute to a sense of connectedness in children and adults.
If you are curious to know more our work on core capacities, please visit the site https://www.unicef-irc.org/what-makes-me
