The first five years of anyone’s life is most critical for building the foundations for life-long learning, well-being and health.
With Early Childhood Education and Care receiving significant attention overseas, in Malaysia, the situation may not be as similar.
Taking to Twitter, one netizen slammed an article ridiculing the importance of early childhood education and care, stating that those who work in childcare are only there to change diapers.
The original article titled “Penat Belajar Tinggi-tinggi, jadi Cikgu Taska Sekadar Basuh Berak Budak Je? (You study tirelessly yet choose to be a kindergarten teacher responsible for cleaning poop off a child?)”, speak in volumes the mentality that Malaysians have when it comes to early childhood care. That is REALLY insulting!
Responding to the article, the netizen writes, “This toxic mentality has to STOP. NOW.”
Source: Twitter
Seriously people, it is more than that!
Another tweet in response to the original post which has garnered equal attention writes, “Please change courses with me and I will show you how hard the course is. Teaching a single letter (to the child) alone is already a huge challenge. However, when the student is finally able to write it, that’s the part that makes us happy. I love my course.”
Source: Twitter
Many who took to Twitter, were in support of the statement that early childhood education is of great importance to a child’s development.
Source: Twitter
One recalled his own experience teaching children until they are able to recognize their ABCs.
Source: Twitter
“It is not easy teaching children until they understand their ABCs. A kindergarten teacher is required to understand how to teach all subjects from mathematics to Bahasa Malaysia.”
“It may seem easy to an adult, but ensuring that the children understand is a challenge on its own.”
Educating young children is highly important and should not be looked down upon like that. It relies on knowledge of early learning, child development and fostering children’s well-being.
We must start appreciating our teachers and not insult people who dedicate their lives to teaching. Know that they play a huge role in our society.
Also read: Watch: M’sian Kids Wow the Internet with Skillful Traditional Dance Performance
