The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Early Childhood Care Education and Parenting (SEAMEO CECCEP) and Bina Bangsa University (UNIBA) Serang, Banten Indonesia, have collaborated on stunting prevention programs. This cooperation is evidenced by the signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Three priorities for program cooperation are research and development, capacity building, and other programs such as exchanging resource persons through the guest lecture program (24/11).
“It is an honour to be able to collaborate with UNIBA. It is hoped that this collaboration will focus more on aspects of research, community service, and advocacy,” said Prof. Vina Adriany (Director of SEAMEO CECCEP) in her remarks.
Dr. Elis Rosdiawati, Deputy Director for administration, said that the signing of the MoU with SEAMEO CECCEP was a milestone in strengthening cooperation in various programs. For programs that are currently and will be carried out for the next 1 year.
This MoU signing activity was carried out concurrently with ECE teacher training in the parenting program for stunting prevention (PPSP). The development of this model is a form of implementation of SEAMEO CECCEP’s commitment from the national program to accelerate stunting prevention with Bappenas. The program has resulted in three action plans: 1) an information reinforcement program, 2) a program to strengthen parents’ knowledge and skills, and 3) a program to provide individual assistance services for parents.
Dr. Budi Ilham, M.Pd (vice rector for academic) said that with collaboration between SEAMEO CECCEP and UNIBA, the quality of student and teacher competencies could be improved. Budi explained that one of the teacher’s tasks is developing children’s characteristics. It is hoped that in the future, the collaboration with SEAMEO CECCEP can be a solution to assist students in preparing learning programs in early childhood and parenting.
The issue of stunting is still a priority that must be considered, and the participation of more parties is needed. Teachers and stakeholders must work hard together to achieve the target of reducing the prevalence of stunting to 14 per cent in 2024. The presence of the PPSP module supports preventing stunting cases in Indonesia.
The cooperation in organizing this training was conducted in collaboration between the University, SEAMEO CECCEP and the surrounding offices to solve stunting cases. This collaboration also supports lecturers in conducting research and community service.
