That
was the conference that was !
The Innovators International Conference certainly lived up to its billing,
with speakers and delegates from all over the World in attendance.
The Edinburgh City Chambers looked as resplendent as ever as beams of
light shone through between pillars and pews, illuminating the delegates
every bit as much as the invited speakers. Colin Chisholm Co-ordinator MIC welcomed guests in his own inimitable fashion, gaining
sniggers and titters whenever possible, before introducing the first speaker. Charlie Lewis kicked off proceedings, followed by Colwyn
Trevarthen as the conference gathered pace toward the mid morning
coffee break. After the interval, the delegates were officially welcomed
by Councillor Paul Godzik, Convenor for Education for
Edinburgh City Council. Kenny Spence then took to the
podium followed by Kate Hookham Coordinator of Mindstretchers
Living Classrooms.
A wonderful finger buffet ensured no one went hungry at lunchtime, a special
mention and a big thumbs up here, to the catering staff at The Edinburgh
City Chambers for whom nothing was too much trouble. After lunch, it was
full steam ahead with an opening session from Claire Warden CEO of Mindstretchers, followed by Steven White coordinator
of Auchlone Nature Kindergarten. The finale was left to the highly entertaining
and all round great guy Jerry Parr (USA) and once again
he had the audience enthralled not only by his own infectious personality
but by the wonderful images and stories of Native American tribal life.
The Plenary which followed played testament to the various subjects covered
and of their interest to the gathered delegates, it was indeed an Innovative
afternoon.
Keynote speeches will be published on this website very shortly.
Men
in Childcare are delighted to announce that during a recent
trip to Ireland to attend a European Network meeting and conference,
Gordon Kidd having reached a ten year milestone as the first Men in
Childcare graduate, became the first recipient of the "James Buchanan
Award". Also along to attend the meeting and congratulate Gordon
were Kenny Spence (Manager, Men in Childcare) who presented the award,
Colin Chisholm (Coordinator Men in Childcare) Derek Thomson former student
and now Nursery Officer at Livingston Child and Family Centre and Kevin
Clifford Nursery Officer Gilmerton Child and Family Centre.
World
Forum on Early Care and Education
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 6-9 May 2014
Join over 800 early childhood professionals from more than 80 nations in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a life-changing experience! At the 2014 World Forum you will be exposed to widely diverse perspectives and approaches to the care and education of young children. You will learn about the lives of children, families, and early childhood providers from all ethnic, cultural, political, and religious backgrounds. You will make friends for life across the globe. You will learn, work, converse, sing, dance, laugh, and cry. You will change others and you will change!
Join us for a world of ideas on caring for the children of the world. To register
and for additional information, visit www.WorldForumFoundation.org
