I find myself in a world between research and practice after completing a Masters in Early Childhood Studies and currently advising at the MaRS Discovery District. I consider myself an action researcher who seeks to critically understand the field that I work in.
My main research interest is the nature of private sector involvement in public education systems. I am currently considering a rights-based approach to private sector enterprise within an emerging digitally-facilitated economy. I believe we can respect and honor children’s participatory rights in all things that are important to them (Petten, 2012).
I am dedicated to the ambitious goal of universal primary education for all children regardless of ability, and national and cultural borders. I hope to work within partnerships that are built on strong interpersonal relationships.
I live in Toronto, Ontario with my partner, Jenna, and pet Hermit Crab, Hermie, who teaches me about patience and how to climb. I can often be found in espresso bars scribbling in my 100% post-consumer recycled notebook.
Guiding Framework:
My guiding framework, which I hope to embed in all my projects and partnerships, is the concept of ‘child participation’ as defined by various international frameworks. The UNICEF, UN Global Compact, and Save the Children define ‘child participation’ as:
“…one of the four core principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, this includes processes that encourage and enable children to articulate and convey their views on issues that affect them.
It also involves information sharing and dialogue between children and adults based on mutual respect in an environment that facilitates freedom of expression.
Such processes must be authentic, inclusive and meaningful and should take into account the evolving capacities of children and enable them to learn constructive ways to influence the world around them.
There should be a commitment to consider children’s opinions – including girls and boys, the most marginalized, the vulnerable, and those of different ages and abilities.
Their views should be respected, heard and taken into account in all decisions and actions affecting them. Participation should not be tokenistic and should not exploit children.”
from:
UN Global Compact: http://www.unglobalcompact.org/Issues/human_rights/childrens_principles.html
UNICEF and CSR:
http://www.unicef.org/csr/335.htm
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC):
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm
