Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

Helping displaced children or refugees is a cause that I find very close to my heart. I believe every child should have a right to an education no matter their background or where they are from. The cold fact is that this is hardly the case for millions of children around the world and right here in the United States. Some good news is that there are many organizations out there fighting to close the gap on this trouble issue. There are numerous national, federal and local organization fighting this issue as well and numerous ways that we all can help. The following organizations are all working to help this populations in ways that are all appealing to me that, perhaps one day, I can take part in.  

The first organization that I looked up was through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service. The office of Refugee Resettlement an office of the Administration for Children and Families developed the Refugee School Impact Program. This program provides grants to state and state-alternative programs to support school districts impacted by school-aged refugees and ORR eligible populations. This program focuses on new arrivals and those who have been in the U.S. five years or less and continue to face integration and academic challenges (ACF. 2021).  

The next organization I looked at was the UNHCR that partners with governments and international organizations to ensure quality protective education for refugee children and young people everywhere (UNHCR 2001-2021).  

A third organization that I have looked to at is a well-known one: UNICEF. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. Just like me and millions of others believe that all children have the right to an education. They also understand that a quality learning environment needs to be safe and friendly. It requires qualified and motivated teachers, and instruction in languages students can understand (UNICEF. 2021). 

As I look through these organizations, I can't help but think of possible jobs that I could join to further my passion for this cause. First up is becoming the Education Support Coordinator for Homeless Children’s Education Fund in Pittsburgh, PA. Much like I do now, I would build relationships with students, families, schools and housing agency staff, and the HCEF team to advance the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Some qualifications would be to have a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, or a related Field, an education background and teaching certification would be a plus, general knowledge about homelessness and housing instability, and rights of students and families experiencing homelessness. 

The next job I could see myself in would be as an Educational Team Lead for the UN. The Education Project Team Leader is responsible for the implementation of education project activities at refugee Camps, and across all NRC project sites in Benishangul Gumuz Region (Metekel, Kamashi , Assosa) and Awi zone in Amhara region. This position requires a master degree and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone.  

The last job I can see myself in as a Youth Care Worker for Unoccupied Minors Program. For this position I will need to a high school diploma and the ability to speak Spanish. This job is through the Lutheran Social Services of New York. I believe in the organizations for a number of reasons but the biggest one being that they believe that there is hope for all people which is a statement we both share a passion in.  

Currently, I am in a profession that I believe in and love. I enjoy the work I do even though at times, it is hard and places a lot of strain on different parts of my life. Perhaps one day, if/ when life throws me my next curve ball. I might consider following my heart to pursue on of these jobs but till then, I will keep them as a “wish list” of sorts right here.  

 

References  

Google. 2021. Homeless Children’s Education Fund. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=jobs+working+with+displaced+children&rlz=1CATTSD_enUS922&oq=jobs+working+with+displaced+children&aqs=chrome..69i57.20916j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&ibp=htl;jobs&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiFrPXaoqXyAhW9EVkFHRciCCYQkd0GMAJ6BAggEAE#fpstate=tldetail&htivrt=jobs&htiq=jobs+working+with+displaced+children&htidocid=4z8tJPa4h7d5ma2YAAAAAA%3D%3D&sxsrf=ALeKk00fuaWIPq6BFCwxEXbcoyTEfYyUAQ:1628557836909 

UNICEF. 2021. Education. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/education 

UNjobs. 2021. Education Team Leader, Asosa, Ethiopia. Retrieved from https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1627981744507