Early Childhood Development (ECD) program now accepting applications for 2014-2016 in take
Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, in collaboration with Yale University, is inviting young professionals from diversity of fields who have strong commitment to continuing their careers in Early Childhood Development to join the Shamsa bint Mohamed Al Nahyan Fellowship program in ECD for the academic year 2014-2016.
All candidates must have at least 3 years of working experience in the following entities (but not limited to): Private or public schools (KG level), Daycare centers, Hospitals, Abu Dhabi Education Council, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Affairs, Education department at local universities or in the field of journalism. This program is open for men and women. The selection process for candidates is based on application, followed by interviews and detailed evaluation conducted by the Foundation and Yale University.
Application for the 18 month fellowship program commencing in October 2014 and ending in May 2016 will be accepted until May 1, 2014. Selected candidates, announced during the first week of July this year, will have the opportunity to go to a study trip to the U.S e, attend classes in Abu Dhabi led by professors from Yale University and work on projects which they can apply the learning from year 1.
“As the ECD program continues to work towards building a workforce of professionals for the improvement of young children’s learning outcomes in the UAE, we encourage our Fellows to work on projects that have a meaningful and positive effect on the community,” said Sheikha Shamsa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan, leader and patron of the Foundation’s ECD program.
“This could be achieved through their current professions or other careers that they might be interested in pursuing to achieve the same goal,” she added.
The strategic partnership between the Foundation and Yale University will allow fellows to gain international expertise by working with their mentors in the US. At home, the Foundation will support them with implementation of their ideas and position them as front-runners in the field.
“Since the start of Fellowship program in September 2013, we have received a positive response from medical and educational institutes, and the community at large. We have also received queries regarding second in-take for the program,” said Dr.Walter Gilliam, Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychology and Director of The Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy at the Yale University Child Study Center.
“In addition to extending the on-going academic year until 2015, the Foundation along with Yale University is accepting applications for the 2014-2016 academic year. This is to ensure comprehensive learning of skills and knowledge in ECD practices and policies for its fellows,” he explained.
Held under the guidance and leadership of Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Foundation works to contribute to the creation of a positive future for the citizens of the UAE and the full realization of their potential and aspirations.