Professor Nirmala Rao: Recognising early years practice around the world
Professor Nirmala Rao, Serena HC Yang professor in early childhood development and education and chair professor of child development and education, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Professor Nirmala Rao, judge of the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning, on why the prize brings overdue global prestige
In too many countries around the world, the vital work of early years practitioners is chronically undervalued.
Despite the pivotal role they play in the youngest generation's future, ECE [early childhood education] staff are routinely paid less than primary and secondary school teachers. Nursery and pre-school roles are unfairly dismissed as easy ‘women's work’, undermining some amazing achievements – and women in general.
This is a big reason why the organisers of the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning (KIAEL), which aims to share early years best practice around the world, will be awarding two $50,000 prizes to ‘Best Programmes & Teaching Practices’ in the UK and internationally. Nurseries, community projects and schools displaying brilliance and innovation in early education up to the age of eight can take part. The KIAEL was founded by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates deputy prime minister. A substantial, international honour like KIAEL hopes to infuse new pride, not only in the winners but everyone in the industry – to show they are deeply valued and attract and retain ECE talent.
Judges will also be giving two £50,000 prizes for ‘Best Research & Studies’ to those developing new teaching methods. Many pockets of practice or research excellence are little known about, outside their locality or setting. KIAEL will give them an international platform. The determination of the organisers to demonstrate the excellence and raise the prestige of early education is shown by the eminence of my fellow judges. Dr. Steven Barnett is founding co-director of the National Institute for Early Education and board of governors professor of education at Rutgers University in the USA. Dr. Jana Fleming is director, early childhood development at the Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, Abu Dhabi. Iram Siraj is professor of child development and education at the University of Oxford.
What these globally recognised experts will uncover are not trivial activities designed to keep children busy while parents are at work. It will be highly creative vision and hard work from some of the most important educators in the world. Innovation that will, ultimately, shape our world.
- To enter, visit https://el.khaward.ae by 28 February. The winners will be announced in June.
