Nine National Network for Children members visited Edinburgh, Scotland from September 9 - 12. This visit was aimed at studying and sharing experiences in "Exchange and Cooperation Child Welfare". The project is being implemented within the Operational Program "Human Resources Development" to promote practices and policies for early childhood development, particularly to prevent dropouts.
One local organization in Scotland, Licketyspit, engages young people in theater by working with them early on. In municipal centers, the organization performs play adaptations of copyrighted classics for children from nurseries and kindergartens. Drama techniques are used by the organization to encourage the children to participate actively in the play. It focuses on social and emotional change through experience.
In two half-day sessions, actors who have been trained in pedagogy lead dramatic interventions. In each group, there are up to 10 children, ranging in age from 3-5 years. The group requires the participation of both children and teachers. Further, Licketyspit conducts continuous training courses for educators and teachers, in both nurseries and kindergartens, to create a creative environment where children apply art techniques and spark their imaginations.
Participants from Bulgaria get the chance to use short-warming theatrical approaches while hosting Licketyspit kids. To understand more about the innovative art methods employed in Scottish schools, they view a video of a kid's theatrical performance. Also, tutorials cover a compilation of key publications in the area of early childhood development, as well as a presentation on a reading program in Scotland and an analysis of the main issues with early childhood music instruction.
Visitors have had the chance to tour two kindergartens in Edinburgh and speak with instructors about the fundamental procedures followed, difficulties faced, and successes in early childhood development.
Three study excursions to see the practice overseas were supported by the NNC's "Exchange and Cooperation Child Welfare Project," one of which included Edinburgh. The organization's members had access to the early childhood development centers in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Tulcea, Romania. Participants are chosen for the trip based on their background, level of knowledge, and work in Bulgaria's early childhood development sector.
