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Jason Sharrock, known as JJ by the kids in his care.

Whitireia Childcare Centre staff member Jason Sharrock is one of a small number of men who work in early childhood education. From May 20 he is attending a world forum in Hawaii addressing issues on men in this role. Called the World Forum Men In Early Childhood Education (Hawaii May 20 – May 23 2008) this forum explores the value and challenges of gender balance in early childhood teaching as well as community, family and cultural contexts.

Jason is one of two New Zealanders attending. “There is around 1% involvement by men in the New Zealand scene. A few more would be good, it gives children a balanced view” he says. For me, I was doing nothing and went on to a work based course. This just happened, this is life. Its fantastic, it has its moments, but heaps of good points.” Jason completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education at Whitireia Polytechnic.

The Working Forum on Men in Early Childhood Education describes themselves as reflecting the global surge of interest in changing roles for men and women in the care and education of young children. They create a global meeting place where women and men from many cultures and nations will reflect on the value of gender balance in ECE, the benefits and barriers to men's full participation, and identification of actions to promote this important issue worldwide.

The Agenda can be viewed at http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/projects/men_ece/agenda.php

ENDS

www.whitireia.ac.nz