Kathy Fite named Ambassador for Childhood by child advocacy groups

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
November 15, 2013

Kathy Fite, a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, has been named an Ambassador for Childhood by the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and the Alliance for Childhood.

The Ambassadors for Childhood program is an initiative during the international Decade for Childhood (2012-2022) that enlists leading children’s experts and advocates to encourage all organizations to consider children in their decision-making. Ambassadors secure commitments from individuals, organizations, and businesses to engage in activities of their choice that support childhood.

"The Decade for Childhood is critical to ensuring that all people fully understand that the period of childhood is central to our human future," said ACEI Executive Director Diane Whitehead. "A good childhood helps children feel loved and secure, allows their natural talents and abilities to flourish, and enables participation in family and community life. Ambassadors for Childhood help us carry this message forth to all corners of the world."

The first cohort of Ambassadors was selected at the 2012 Global Summit on Childhood to serve a three-year term. The second cohort of Ambassadors will be selected at the 2014 Global Summit on Childhood.

About the Association for Childhood Education International

The Association for Childhood Education International is a non-profit organization working to promote and support the optimal education, development and well-being of children worldwide. They have consultative status with the United Nations, and publish a variety of journals and books on children’s rights, care and education. The website is www.acei.org.

About the Alliance for Childhood

The Alliance for Childhood is a research and advocacy organization that promotes policies and practices that support children's healthy development, love of learning and joy in living. Their public education programs are designed to benefit children themselves and to foster a more just, democratic and ecologically responsible future. The website is www.allianceforchildhood.org.