Bachelor Of Arts In Child Development
Description of the Programme:
The Bachelor of Arts in Child Development is aimed at producing graduates who are equipped with theoretical and practical skills to better the well-being of children. They will be able to approach children’s work with a passion motivated by God’s Word, professional excellence and integrity of character, so as to bring about holistic child development. As the students undergo this programme, they will move from courses focused on foundational theory to those that address accepted best practices and the skills they need to help all categories of children in the diverse communities that they are a part of. This programme also offers opportunities to help each student mature spiritually, as well as opportunities to connect with child-focused ministries through internships throughout Uganda.
Programme Rationale
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics report (2018), 53.6% of Uganda’s population is below 18 years. This implies that the majority of the population is constituted by children. This should be good news because children are the heritage of any society. The challenge however is that in order to help these children live and realize their full potential, we have to invest in their future. The present state of our children shows that more needs to be done. “Children continue to live in conditions characterized by inadequate access to health services, biting poverty in homes, exploitation, and violence. The given living conditions for children in Uganda undermine the four cardinal rights of a child to survival, development, protection and participation” (ANPPCAN, Uganda). Therefore, the Bachelor of Arts in Child Development is intended to prepare child care givers and leaders who will contribute to the holistic development of children during their formative years. They will work with various stakeholders including government agencies, churches, NGOs and communities to provide an environment in which children grow intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually.
Program Objectives
•Demonstrate a critical understanding of the major child development theories and cultural perspectives on childhood so as to develop appropriate interventions.
•Work in collaboration with individuals and organizations who share common values so as to achieve intended objectives.
Understand the gospel and see it as a foundation and motivation for social action.
•Have knowledge of national, regional, international conventions, laws and policies on children so as to advocate for their well-being.
•Demonstrate leadership skills that reflect a Christ-like character.
•Have the ability to start and sustain different projects by effectively mobilizing and utilizing resources that are available.
•Have skills and knowledge to monitor and evaluate child-focused projects so as to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
•Implement government coordination and interventions on child-related issues so as to respond appropriately.
•Be able to employ and integral development of a child and practice it in the care of children.
•Have the ability to utilize appropriate counselling and mentoring skills to address the emotional and social problems of children.
•Have the skills to develop instructional materials and teach children both in the church and community.
•Have fundamental skills in research, writing, communication and computer applications for academic and ministry excellence.
Requirements for Direct Entry Scheme
Requirements for Direct Entry Scheme:
• Uganda Certificate of Education (O’ Level) with a minimum of five (5) passes and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (A’ Level) with a minimum of two (2) principal passes (preferred but not limited to economics, geography, entrepreneurship, and agriculture) obtained at the same sitting.
• The minimum requirement for direct entry from the 8-4-4 system shall be C+ or its equivalent.
Requirements for the Diploma Holders’ Entry Scheme:
• A relevant diploma (with an upper second) or credit obtained from an institution recognized by National Council for Higher Education.
Requirements for Mature Age Entry Scheme:
• A pass of 50 percent or higher in Mature Age examination, obtained and certified from a center recognized by National Council for Higher Education
Program Structure
| YEAR ONE:SEMESTER ONE | YEAR ONE:SEMESTER TWO |
|---|---|
| Computer Literacy I Spiritual Formation Research and Writing Skills Old Testament Survey Child, Church and Mission Early Childhood Education |
Computer Literacy II Ethics New Testament Survey Theology of Holistic Ministry Counselling and Mentoring Children Children with Special Needs Transformational Leadership |
| YEAR TWO SEMESTER ONE | YEAR TWO SEMESTER TWO |
| Child Evangelism and Discipleship Development Psychology Learning and Ministering with Children Policy, Legislation and Advocacy Comparative World Views Community Based Rehabilitation Introduction to Sociology |
Principles and Practice of Primary Healthcare Children and the Law Global Perspectives on Childhood Understanding Children at Risk Children and HIV/AIDS Research Methods Internship I |
| YEAR THREE SEMESTER ONE | YEAR THREE SEMESTER TWO |
| Parenting and Family Issues Biblical Theology of Childhood Communication Skills Logic and critical thinking Christian Response to contemporary Social Issues Financial Management Dissertations |
Curriculum Development and Teaching Leadership and Management in Child-Based Organisations Child Development Programming Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Project Planning and Management Human Rights Internship II |