It is said by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in a report on 9, April 2019 that:
1. More than 175 million children, about half of all pre-primary-age children globally, are not enrolled in pre-primary education.
2. In low-income countries, the picture is much bleaker, with only one in five young children enrolled in pre-primary education.
3. In 2017, an average of 6.6 per cent of domestic education budgets globally are dedicated to pre-primary education, with nearly 40 per cent of countries with data allocating less than 2 per cent of their education budgets to this sub-sector.
4. In West and Central Africa, 2.5 per cent is allocated to pre-primary education, with 70 per cent of children missing out on early education in the region. Across Europe and Central Asia, governments dedicate the highest proportion – more than 11 per cent of their education budgets – to pre-primary education.
5. Together, low- and lower middle-income countries are home to more than 60 per cent of the world’s pre-primary-age children, but scarcely 32 per cent of all pre-primary teachers. In fact, only 422,000 pre-primary teachers currently teach in low income countries.
There is no doubt that a child’s early years are the foundation for his or her future development, providing a strong base for lifelong learning and learning abilities, including cognitive and social development. “Pre-primary schooling is our children’s educational foundation — every stage of education that follows relies on its success," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. Yet, too many children around the world are denied this opportunity. This increases their risk of repeating grades or dropping out of school altogether and relegates them to the shadows of their more fortunate peers. Bearing the belief that every child has to right to receive the education regardless of nationality, status, religion, poverty or war, hereby, MGEF is wholeheartedly calling for your help to work with us for pre-primary children in unprivileged countries and areas no matter you are an enterprise, an organization or an individual. It is only a matter of love and love never ends.
1. Concerning MGEF
MAKINO Global Education Foundation (MGEF) is an international non-governmental organization set up by MAKINO Education & Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd focusing on volunteer program featured by “Music Tree”, a program caring for pre-primary children growth. Bearing the belief that children should be endowed with the right of receiving education, MGEF has worked with international volunteers to conduct public welfare projects in China, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand and etc., in the hopes of enabling children to receive quality general education.
MGEF is formally established on 2nd February, 2020 after the preparation and trial operation of the projects lasting from March to December 2019.
2. Concerning Music Tree
Music Tree is a curriculum developed into three levels: Level One “Sowing Music Seeds”, Level Two “Watering Music Roots”, and Level Three “Harvesting Music Fruits”. From seeding to fruiting, the growth of the “music tree” is also the process of allowing children to discover and explore general education in harmony with their natural growth and development.
Music Tree utilizes music as a medium, through which the contents of art, health, community, science, and language are delivered to children in the form of picture books, songs, storytelling, and games. Children will learn to be positive individuals, acquire useful knowledge, learn proper social behavior, and get along well with others, which represents our philosophy that music education does not aim to shape children into musicians, but rather pass down the values of humanity.
3. Concerning Volunteer
3.1 What the requirements to volunteer?
Volunteer requirements vary from project to project, however for the majority of projects, the requirements are older than the age of 18, fluency in English, a clean criminal background, being responsible.
3.2 What is the process of becoming a volunteer?
Once you have decided where you would like to volunteer and which project you would like to join, you can complete an application form and provide the materials that MGEF requires. Once your application and materials are checked, you will receive an email for interview. After you are qualified, you will be invited to pay your program fee to confirm your place on the program. MGEF team is also available to answer any questions you may have and to collect all the required information from you before you depart.
3.3 How much will it cost to work as a volunteer?
The costs vary from project to project, and all the projects are affordable by the volunteers including the arrangement for basic accommodation. Please contact MGEF team for cost details of the specific project.
3.4 What is the preparation before starting the program?
Visa: Every situation is different and visa requirements are dependent on the country you are traveling to and your nationality. Please contact embassy for the country you are traveling to make sure.
Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory in order to volunteer on MGEF volunteer program, which will be covered by volunteers themselves. While MGEF does everything it can to ensure your trip abroad goes smoothly, it is imperative to ensure you have adequate travel insurance should you fall sick, your bags go missing, or something is stolen and etc. The insurance covering medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, personal belongings and personal liability is highly recommended.
Vaccination: The vaccinations you require will depend on which vaccinations you have had previously, and the country that you are traveling to. Please refer to the regulations and requirements of the volunteer country.
Criminal background check: To participate on MGEF volunteer program, all volunteers are required to provide a criminal background check determined by each individual’s country of residence. Please check online or contact your local police station to enquire what the process is in your country.
Ticket: The return tickets will be booked and covered by volunteers. MGEF team will provide the consultancy on your flight details when you book the return tickets to make your travel trip is easy, convenient and budget-friendly.
Luggage: Volunteers are suggested to bring the comfortable clothes, daily necessities, local phone card, some changes in local currency and the things they think they need to bring.
Language: Language requirements vary from country to country and can depend on the type of project you are participating on. However, for the most part, volunteers are generally only required to speak English to participate on a MEGF program.
3.5 Do the meals and accommodation fees are included in the program fee? And what are the meals and accommodation like?
The basic meals and accommodation fees are included. The type of accommodation and meals provided on MGEF programs vary from country to country. For more information on this, please contact MGEF team to check the details.
3.6 What is work time and content for a volunteer?
As a MGEF volunteer, after you discuss with the MGEF team on your teaching timetable and contents (mostly is Music Tree program). You will have your free time and weekends available to explore more of your host country and our team will be happy to provide recommendations for tours or trips that you can take.
4. Concerning Member
4.1 How can I become a member?
If you are concerned about pre-primary education of children, you can be a member to support the implementation of MGEF projects. For the details of becoming a member, please contact MGEF team.
4.2 What is the obligation and right of the member?
The obligation and right of the member varies based on different levels of membership. Please contact MGEF team for the details.
5. Concerning Partner
5.1 How can I become a partner?
If you are an organization needing help of education resource and volunteers, or if your organization wants to join hands together with to help children, please contact MGEF team for details of becoming a partner.
5.2 What is the obligation and right of the partner?
The obligation and right of the member varies based on different situations of partnership. Please contact MGEF team for the details.
6. For More
6.1 Will I get a certificate after completing my volunteer program?
You can obtain a International Certificate of Volunteering after completing your MGEF program, which will be a valuable addition to your resume as many employers recognize that volunteer experience is beneficial for personal and professional development, as well as cross cultural competence.
6.2 What can I achieve after completing my volunteer program?
You can gain experience that looks brilliant on your CV or résumé, and you will improve your transferable skills such as team-working, presentation and communication. Above all, this is an unrivalled opportunity to gain an insight into a completely different culture and way of life.
For further questions, please feel free to contact makino@mgef.cc