SEAMEO CECCEP collaborated with Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) @paudpascaupi_official to hold a general lecture as a realization of the collaboration program between UPI and SEAMEO CECCEP. The topic of this general lecture is on Margaret MEAD and the Anthropology of Childhood: Local Knowledge and Universal Standards. Professor Jan Newberry explained the perspective of Early Childhood Education in the community, social and cultural environment on 22 May 2023.
Jan Newberry is a professor of anthropology whose work was first centered in Central Java, Indonesia, which discusses the culture of the Javanese people. Her research was documented in a book called "Back Door Java''. She had also conducted research on Early Childhood Education, an emerging care and development program in Indonesia.
In her discussion, she talked about early childhood, sociology, and anthropology. According to her, each region with different cultures contributed to Early Childhood Education. Children can develop into individualists and socialists determined by experiences in the society where the child has been raised. Likewise, an adolescent has not been biologically destined to be in a period of stress and anxiety. Instead, the adolescent experience has been shaped by the culture in which children are raised, making it so that culture emphasizes certain aspects of human potential at the expense of others.
Prof. Newberry also stated about the mothers’ role as experts in the development of Early Childhood Education. The mothers’ role served to reinforce equal roles between man and woman in society, and also facilitate the children to seek toward good values of life. In the Q&A session, the participants asked about the function of the culture that has developed to have a huge influence on the continuation of Early Childhood Education.
This meeting was welcomed by the director of SEAMEO CECCEP, Prof. Vina Adriany expressed her gratitude and hoped that this activity could contribute and increase knowledge about the importance of education, sociology, and the role of culture in early childhood and parenting. Culture plays a crucial role in Early Childhood Education, offering various benefits and advantages for child development, such as:
First, identity and cultural ownership. Culture provides a sense of identity and ownership for children. When early childhood education acknowledges and incorporates cultural backgrounds, it promotes positive self-image and a strong sense of ownership among children. In turn, fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Second, culture influences language development and early childhood education. Children will learn to integrate various languages used by their peers, enhancing their communication skills. By embracing diverse languages and promoting bilingualism, children can effectively express themselves, understand others, and appreciate different cultures and perspectives.
Lastly, culture shapes values, morals, and ethical beliefs in society. Early Childhood Education that incorporates cultural values helps children develop a strong moral compass, empathy, and respect for others. Understanding cultural norms and ethical frameworks provides a foundation for children to navigate social interactions and develop positive relationships with peers and adults.
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