This course explores the ways development and humanitarian crises impact and intersect with children's development, and why this matters. Children's experiences and nutrition in their first five years of life are critical to brain development, significantly influencing their capacity through the rest of their lives. Yet young children receive little attention in tertiary programs on development and humanitarian assistance. Similarly, teenagers experience a vitally important surge in brain development yet receive little more attention. In this course you will analyse contemporary and historical practices from a child-centred perspective and also work to develop thoughtful and effective responses in the form of both mainstreamed and child-focused practices. This course will be delivered by RMIT staff with experience in development and education, as well as professionals from NGOs, international organisations and government. Like other courses in Global Studies, it has a very practical approach; integrating theory and practice to engage you with real issues facing children in these challenging environments and the organisations seeking to enable them to thrive.