The quality of Early Childhood or Pre-School Education (Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini or PAUD) determines a child’s future. PT. Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN), together with INSPIRASI Foundation as an implementing partner, initiated a capacity building program for early childhood education teachers and principals called PAUD Prestasi, Computational Thinking-Based Learning at the PAUD.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony was held on Tuesday (7/3) in the presence of the Director of PAUD Teachers and Community Education of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), the head of the West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB) Center for the Mobilization of Teachers (BGP), the head of the KSB Office of Education and Culture, dozens of school principals and PAUD teachers, and school committees representing parents or guardians.
AMMAN Community Development Manager Dimas Purnama said that by improving the quality of PAUD, the young generation in West Sumbawa (KSB) can be better prepared to develop their region in the future. “The introduction of Computational Thinking-Based Learning at the PAUD level is a way to equip the young generation with 21st century skills, which is in line with the education system reforms initiated by the government. It’s a way to equip the young generation with 21st century skills, which is in line with the education reforms initiated by the government. This is of course in line with the corporate vision of AMMAN, to create a legacy of the best,” says Dimas.
Program Scope and Target
The 14-month program targets 27 PAUD units, 127 teachers and principals, and more than 1,281 PAUD students in Jereweh, Maluk, and Sekongkang, the three districts surrounding the Batu Hijau mine. In his remarks, Dr. Santi Ambarukmi, M.Ed., Director of PAUD Teachers and Community Education, said that the PAUD Prestasi Program is intended to help address challenges in the world of child education, especially regarding misconceptions of teachers and parents/guardians about learning in early childhood when it comes to children’s readiness to enter elementary school.
Support and Appreciation
“We strongly support the program initiated by AMMAN and the INSIPRASI Foundation. In the context of education, PAUD plays a strategic role as it lays the foundation for developing children’s ability to learn so that they become good people. If children receive quality education from an early age, tailored to their growth and development, they’ll have strong skills to face the world of higher education and prepare for the challenges of life in the future,” Santi explained.
The Head of KSB Education and Culture Office, Khusnarti S.Pd. also expressed his appreciation for implementing the program. “We need great educators to produce new generations with bright minds. We’re grateful that AMMAN provides exceptional facilities and opportunities to PAUD teachers and school leaders, especially in terms of improving human resources,” Khusnarti said.
Specialized Training for Teachers and Principals
As part of this program, PAUD teachers and principals receive specialized training on the learning process and learning with computational thinking methods. In addition, teachers and principals receive advanced education and technical training to facilitate their taking the competency and qualification tests required to obtain teacher licensure.
