This document consists of the three 2001 issues of The Bernard van Leer Foundation's "Early Childhood Matters," a periodical addressed to practitioners in the field of early childhood education and including information on projects funded by the foundation. Articles in the February 2001 edition focus on fathers and include: (1)…

These three papers are from a symposium on new perspectives in human resource development (HRD). "Developing an Instrument to Measure the Use of Play-Based Training Methods in Healthcare Education" (Rebecca J. Adams, Karen E. Watkins, Tom Valentine) reports preliminary findings from a pilot study that tested data collection procedures…

Using field data from South Maragoli (Western Kenya), explains households' high outlay on school fees and the sustained popular demand for educational expansion in the context of the erosion of subsistence production and consumption in favor of consumption purchased from income from wage labor. (Author/LC)

Recognizing the diversity in Kenya, examines education's goal to promote national unity. Analyzes three government policy initiatives, derived from the Mackay, Ominde, and Gacathi reports, based on psychological, cultural, and economic definitions of what constitutes a nation. Resolves the confusion in educational policy intended to promote and…

Recounts insights gained from shadowing a student-teacher supervisor at Kenyatta University, Kenya, noting difficulties faced when coping with deficient facilities, insufficient funding and personnel, cultural opposition to education, and classroom management. Provides information on the Kenyan University System and teacher preparation, campus…

Many English tests based on Western culture are inappropriate for regions where English use differs from that of Europe and North America. In these non-Western settings, it is desirable that English assessments be based on real-world English use. Therefore, identifying tasks of non-Western English language use is a beginning step in developing…

Proceedings of a seminar on the management of English second language training (ELT) in British technical assistance programs are presented in the form of narrative summaries. An introductory section gives an overview of the conference. Four subsequent chapters summarize presentations and discussions on these topics: project management,…

The following papers were produced by participants and resource persons on specific issues of planning, management and implementation of literacy and post-literacy strategies: "People's Participation and Mobilization: Characteristics of the Literacy Campaigns in China" (Yanwei); "Strategies for Mobilization and Participation of…

The ongoing flow of monetary assistance and technological transfer from developed to developing countries is examined and its success gauged. Two examples are cited: "The Mumias Sugar Company--A Success Story in Kenya," and, "The Sao Francisco River Power Development in Brazil--A Disaster along the River." The paper also…

Two articles on the urbanization of Kenya are presented in this survey. The first one, "Urbanization Trends and Prospects," by Luigi Laurenti, states that urbanization has only recently been recognized as a problem of some importance in Kenya, and this recognition is far from comprehensive. Consequently, public policy--and especially…

Demonstrates that socio-economic factors such as family background are important in determining student achievement, but are reinforced by factors such as teaching and learning resources. Presents a study of student achievement in mathematics and science related to parental education and occupation and to type of school. (LS)

Discussion of the introduction of computers into African countries for social and economic purposes focuses on the use of computers in schools in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Topics discussed include obtaining hardware and software; training needs; the adoption process; teacher attitudes; and possible futures of computers. (54 references) (LRW)

Those involved in early childhood development must recognize that many of their most cherished beliefs about what is best for children are cultural constructions. This book focuses on quality in large-scale programs for disadvantaged young children in a variety of cultural settings. Chapter 1, "Changing Childhoods," discusses issues…

Kiswahili was declared the national language of Kenya in 1968 and since then has also been established as the language of parliamentary debate. There are, however, inadequate instructional materials in this language, particularly at the primary level of schooling. Since there are almost 20 different languages, or dialects, in Kenya, Kiswahili must…

Five studies focus on the cultural components of population issues in Thailand, Jamaica, Korea, Kenya, and Indonesia. The reports explore the influence of cultural factors on contraceptive practice, family planning, abortion, and education. Recommendations are made for policymakers in areas that impinge on population growth. "Birth Control…