Date: 09-04-2019

NEWS - Francesca and Dzemila talk ISSA Conference

We caught up with Francesca Colombo & Dzemila Salkanovic of Association 21 July, to share their reflections on the ISSA Conference. 


Dzemila Salkanovic
tells us: 'The ISSA Conference is always an experience of enhancement for me. While visiting previous editions, I felt amazed by the number of people participating in the conference. They all come from such different places in the world, they have different backgrounds but all share the same objective: child wellbeing.'

'It is so important to meet, share time together and work on a common goal. I learn a lot and at the same time, I can share knowledge or practical tools with other professionals and practitioners.'


'All of the concurrent sessions are usually so interesting, that I always find it difficult to choose. It would be great to listen to all the presentations and to participate in all the workshops. The debated issues are all essential.'

'The logistics of the conference are just perfect. People feel comfortable and welcome. ISSA really succeeds in creating an atmosphere where people are relaxed and enabled to absorb all the learnings.'

 

Francesca Colombo: 'As soon as I arrive and join the opening ceremony I feel right at home. In the past years, ISSA has become an 'international family' for me where I feel nurtured with knowledge and supported by people that have great expertise and motivation.'


'The conference itself always meets my expectations, keynote speakers are great and the concurrent sessions - too many to visit all - are all very interesting. I would like to be able to listen to more presentations.'


'I am always struck by the empathy and enthusiasm of my peers. Mehnaz Aziz once made a comment that perfectly reflects what I feel: "ISSA people aren't just people that knock on the door, but people who walk the talk". That is so true. Finally, all the experiences, information and ideas shared during the conference are so valuable, not just as a professional working in the field of early childhood but also as mother of a little girl.'


'The importance of the first 1.000 days in the life of a child are printed in capital letters in my mind and I hope to succeed to do my best to pursue and enhance child wellbeing both in my personal and professional life.'