Early Development Activity Center (EDA)
The Early Development Activity Center (EDA) was established in October 1969 by Masaru Ibuka(1908-1997), with the aim of fostering well-balanced character development in young individuals to prepare them for the demands of the future 21st century. Throughout its history, the EDA has emphasized the importance of the "mother and child relationship" and "sound emotional development" in child rearing. November 2001 marked a turning point for the EDA. The association embarked on a new phase of development combining its activities with those of the Sony Foundation for Education, to better serve the needs of the 21st century.
The EDA has always understood how important the formative "first three years of life" and the "ties between mother and child" during that phase are in building the foundations of character. A healthy mother and child relationship, during this period, is the key to building "a healthy disposition" and "the zest for life" that will help a child reach its full potential later in life.
The EDA considers the most important stage of child development to be the period from the womb to 24 months. The EDA conducts an extensive program of activities in its quest to educate the general public about the importance of building a healthy relationship between parents and children. The achievements of the various programs and the lessons learned about child-rearing are shared in various ways with parents, as well as child-care workers.
The Foundation is currently in the process of posting onto the Internet information from its extensive archives it feels will prove an invaluable resource. The general public is encouraged to visit our website and learn about Masaru Ibuka'fs theories, particularly the importance of early childhood, and how the EDA is putting them into practice.
Recognizing the importance of taking the initiative with community activities, the EDA has dedicated a section on its website to 'eMother and Child Class Leaders,' f which provides information that can be applied to a variety of different situations.
Another section offers information on child-rearing relating to the home that parents can make use of in the daily child-rearing environment.
Through its website, the EDA will continue its mission of educating the general public about the significance of early childhood and 'ethe importance of establishing a healthy relationship based on good communication between parents and children.
