A new quality framework for nonformal ECEC including IGL

Non-formal ECEC provisions such as TOY for Inclusion Play Hubs, parent and toddler groups and family centres offer important play and learning experiences for young children AND parenting and social support for their caregivers which can also include grandparents. With the support of ISSA-International Step-by-Step Association and the participation of many ISSA members in Europe and Central Asia (local and international NGOs, researchers and ECD networks), ICDI is coordinating a Joint Learning Lab with to develop Common Quality Framework for Non-formal Early Childhood Education and Care in Europe and Central Asia. As many IGL initiatives take place in nonformal ECEC settings, this will also be an opportunity to give attention to this important pedagogical practice, which benefits all generations in the community, including those who are newcomers. It will also build on tools already developed such as TOY for Quality Programme.  

Click here for more information about the proposed Quality Framework and the Joint Learning Lab.  

PODCAST: What happens when you put a nursery in a care home? 

At Belong Chester, UK’s first intergenerational care home residents spend their days with young children who attend the nursery that is integrated into the care home. A recent podcast from the Guardian’s Today in Focus series explores how intergenerational living is influencing care for older adults in residential settings and benefiting the wellbeing of both older adults and young children. Helen Pidd reports on her observations and conversations. Recommended listening!

The podcast is 32 minutes. Click here to listen.

Government of Peru promote intergenerational storytelling

Across the world, storytelling is a highly valued cultural practice. The House of Peruvian Literature of the Ministry of Education in Lima, Peru is supporting an intergenerational storytelling programme. Older adult volunteers are trained and receive a certificate in oral storytelling strategies and conduct sessions in public schools, libraries, hospitals and other settings. The goal is to promoting reading, the transmission of ethical and educational values and intergenerational relations.

View a short video about the programme here.

WHO publish the Connecting Generations Guide

Last October 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched, the Connecting Generations Guide. It builds on the evidence in the Global report on ageism that interventions for intergenerational contact have been proven to work in addressing ageism, together with policy, law and educational interventions.

Connecting Generations provides step-by-step guidance for anyone wanting to use inter-generational practice to combat ageism and to promote understanding and mutual respect among generations.

The Guide, which was edited by the Demographic Change and Health Ageing team in WHO, is part of the global campaign to combat ageism.  The TOY programme is included as a case study in the Guide and one of the featured intergenerational organisations.

Insights from Anthropology: Why grandmothers are important for young children

The latest edition of Early Childhood Matters puts the spotlight on the well-being of parents and the support that parents of young children need but are not always getting. One of the articles, titled ‘Hunter-gatherers teach us that supporting mothers has deep roots’ notes that in hunter-gatherer societies elderly women are key caregivers.

Alison Gopnik in her 2016 book, ‘The Gardener and the Carpenter’  also wrote about the significant difference grandmothers make to their grandchildren’s survival. Citing anthropologist Kristen Hawkes,”Infants were more likely to thrive if their mothers had more resources – not surprising.  But for toddlers what mattered was how many resources Grandmom had.  Grandmom stepped in at the critical juncture when a new baby appeared” (p.71-72).  

Gopnik also mentions the role grandparents have as sources of cultural information. “They connect children to two generations’ worth of experience and knowledge.  Songs, stories, spells, recipes, even old wives’ tales – we learn them all at the feet of our grandmothers.” (p. 73-74)

Many of the TOY blogs have described situations from around the world where grandfathers and grandmothers have an active role as caregivers and guardians of cultural knowledge. 

TOY webinar for Global Intergenerational Week - 30 April, 10.00 to 11.30 CEST

ICDI and TOY are delighted to support the Global Intergenerational Week. On 30 April, 10.00 to 11.30 CEST we are facilitating an online learning event to introduce IGL to ECEC practitioners and NGO staff who are new to intergenerational learning (IGL) and would like to incorporate IGL into their work. The session includes lots of time for questions and answers as well as insights from research and practical tips from the new Handbook for IGL Practitioners and Trainers, ‘Generations Growing Together’.

To register click here.

The event is open to all and is hosted by Holis as part of the Places to Grow Project.

Places to Grow is a catalyst for excellence in early childhood development, education and care in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, aiming at strengthening relationships between organisations active in social services, education, advocacy and research. Find out more at www.placestogrow.eu.