Presentation by- Priyanka Zutshi Global Leader, India September 15, 2010 Back to School Creating a space for early childhood education in colleges in India

 to create awareness on early childhood education among students in various colleges across India through a colloquium  to enhance perspectives on early childhood education through talks and presentations in colleges  to attempt to integrate a component on early childhood education in the curriculum of some colleges

 There is no “buzz” around early childhood education in colleges/ universities  Most students are not interested in pursuing options in early childhood education  Most colleges in India have not integrated early childhood education in their course curriculum

 Identifying colleges to participate in the colloquium (sending invitations, developing and putting up posters, hosting a webpage for the colloquium)  Holding one-on-one meetings with head of departments of select colleges  Following up with individual students interested in making submissions for the colloquium

Colleges that were approached  Lady Irwin College, Delhi  Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai  Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai  Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Communications  Stella Maris College, Chennai  Vidya Sagar Institute, Chennai Colleges that submitted entries for the colloquium  Vidya Sagar Institute  Stella Maris College  Dhirubhai Institute of Communications

 3 submissions that address the inclusion aspect (i.e. Diwali, A Giving Tree and Transportation)  Two submissions which aim to enhance creativity and promote joyful and fun learning  One submission on digital drawing techniques

 Organize a colloquium for students to share their projects with each other  Create a rewards and recognition program for these “ECE fellows”  Fellows badge  Certificate  Opportunities for them to publish their works in magazines/ newspapers for children  Organize visits to other cities in India (to understand the context of ECE in other regions)

 Make presentations to undergraduate and post-graduate students in colleges in universities  Develop “case studies” on early childhood education which could be used/ integrated in the curriculum followed by some departments

 Generating participation from the “niche” colleges was not easy  Adjusting your schedule to the academic calendar followed by colleges  Coordinating across cities

 Draw up a timeline but also be prepared to see shifts in your timeline  Focus your communication to suit the needs of the target audience  Present a clear value proposition  Leverage your existing networks (reach out to other Global Leaders, alumni, faculty etc)  Ensure constant and sustained follow up  Maintain communication with the target audience (long periods of silence are detrimental)  Create colorful and eye catching material to draw attention

 Prioritize your objectives- work on those activities that you can action quickly  Know your limitations- reach out to others  Get a better understanding of your audience and context of operations

Thank you