COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – From July 11 to July 14, 2024, the city of Colombo became a global hub for child development professionals when it hosted the International Conference for Child Care, Education and Research 2.0. Organised by the Global Foundation for Early Childhood Education and Research (GFECER), this landmark event gathered professionals, researchers, educators and policy makers from around the world to discuss, exchange ideas and explore the latest advances in child care and education.
The conference highlighted the role of child development, which is crucial in shaping a child’s future, and emphasised the need for a global platform to share the latest trends, challenges and best practices in this important field. Dr. Masooda Yasmin, Founder and President of GFECER and Ms. Therese Ashanti Lakmali Seneviratne, Project Lead and Country Head, Sri Lanka Federation for Foundation Education, led the event which included a series of key activities and sessions to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Conference Highlights
Meet and Greet with International ECCE Experts: Participants had the unique opportunity to network with leading experts in childcare and education from various countries, establishing meaningful relationships and potential collaborations.
Panel Discussions and Expert Talks: Eminent speakers delivered insightful talks on a variety of topics, including:
- Dr. Shelly Bisht (Global President, Federation for Foundation Education): spoke on “Inclusive Education and Special Education Strategies”.
- Mr. Jamtsho (Founder and President of BECEDA, Head of South Asia, FFE): discussed “Mindfulness and Gross Happiness Factors in the Workplace”.
- Ms. Therese Ashanti Lakmali Seneviratne (Project Head and Country Head, Sri Lanka Federation for Foundation Education): Explored “Enhancing Teaching Effectiveness through Reflective Practices and Positive Reinforcement”.
- Dr. Rajani Rao (Academic Director, GFECER, Founder, Lead Gen Academy): Presented on “Coding Phonics: The Easiest and Fastest Way to Teach and Learn Phonics”.
- Mr. Shruthidhara Arya (Managing Director, Founder, CEO and Lead Advisor, Robo Smart Labs Pvt. Ltd.): Talked on “Pre-Robotics and AI in Infant Education”.
- Dr. T.P. Sasikumar (Director of Research & Development, GFECER, Former Deputy Director, Directorate of Security, Government of India, Former ISRO Scientist, Former Academic Director, UGC): Discussed “Dadi Maa Childcare Education Gurukulam: Understanding an Education System that Blends Culture, Value Education and New Age Skills”.
Gijubhai Badheka ECCE Award: Celebrating excellence in child care and education, the conference honoured individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the field.
Networking and Collaboration: The event facilitated extensive networking opportunities, allowing participants to establish international collaborations and partnerships.
Knowledge Exchange: Through various workshops and interactive sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions and shared innovative practices and research findings.
Explore the Beauty of Colombo: In addition to the academic and business sessions, delegates also had the opportunity to experience the cultural and natural beauty of Colombo, making the overall conference experience even more enriching.
Mission and Vision of GFECER
The mission and vision of GFECER is aimed at creating a healthier, happier and brighter childhood for every child. The Foundation is committed to ensuring good nutrition and health facilities for every child, providing quality early childhood education, achieving 100 percent literacy rate in early childhood education, creating a fully trained workforce in child care and education, and establishing a global platform for research in early childhood development and education.
The conference left an indelible impression on all participants, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in child development. The event not only showcased innovative work and research but also laid the foundation for future innovations and advancements in this field, promising a brighter future for children around the world.
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