On August 22, 2024, the 2024 China-ASEAN International Conference on Inclusive High-Quality Development in Early Childhood Education was successfully held, featuring several keynote speakers from various ASEAN member countries and China. One of the speakers who drew attention at the event was Ith Vuthy, Deputy Director for Programs at SEAMEO CECCEP, who emphasized the importance of early childhood education as a foundational element in promoting equality and social justice.
In his speech, Vuthy stated that quality education, including early childhood education, is a fundamental right of every child that must be fulfilled by every country. He stressed that literacy and numeracy skills must be developed from an early age, as these abilities go beyond just reading and writing—they also include the ability to express ideas, listen, and understand vocabulary. Vuthy also highlighted the need for a holistic curriculum that encompasses all aspects of child development, including cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth, in supporting inclusive and high-quality early childhood education.
Apart from Vuthy, the conference was also attended by other prominent figures, such as Ms. Liu Lan, Deputy Mayor of the Guiyang Municipal People's Government; Mr. Zou Lianke, Director-General of the Department of Education of Guizhou Province; Mr. Xaiyasin, Counselor of Education and Culture of the Embassy of Lao PDR in China; and Mr. Li Haisheng, Deputy Director of the Department of Basic Education, Ministry of Education of China. The presence of these figures demonstrated the strong commitment of various countries to improving the quality and access of early childhood education in the region.
Mr. Ith Vuthy highlighted the importance of ensuring equal access, participation, and quality in early childhood education for all children, especially in Indonesia. He explained that literacy and numeracy skills should be developed from an early age, as they not only encompass the ability to read and write but also the ability to express ideas, listen, and understand vocabulary.
Furthermore, Vuthy underscored the need to support early childhood education through the development of a holistic curriculum and learning that encompasses all aspects of child development, including cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. He also stressed that the curriculum should be designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through play-based and child-centered learning activities.
Additionally, Vuthy outlined the challenges and opportunities in early childhood education, including accessibility, participation, and high-quality standards as essential components for achieving inclusive and high-quality early childhood education. Some key components in enhancing early childhood education in a holistic and integrative manner include using a curriculum that aligns with child development, supportive teacher beliefs and pedagogical practices, conducive working conditions, active parental and community involvement, effective school organization and leadership, balanced staff-child ratios, and adequate health and hygiene services.
The conference successfully highlighted the importance of international collaboration in improving inclusive and high-quality early childhood education. With support from various stakeholders, both at local and international levels, it is hoped that efforts to advance early childhood education in the ASEAN region and China will continue to be enhanced, for a brighter and more sustainable future for all children.
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