IPOH: Tadika Bitara has become the first preschool in Malaysia to be recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (Unesco) Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the recognition, confirmed on Aug 11, marked a historic milestone for the nation’s education sector.
He said the preschool, which is under UPSI’s National Child Development Research Centre (NCDRC), has been consistent in providing quality, inclusive early childhood education and is a pioneer in Education for Sustainable Development, which teaches children environmental responsibility, sustainable practices and global awareness from an early age.
"Children here are trained to live sustainably through gardening, recycling, waste management, energy conservation and community projects. This recognition places Tadika Bitara on the international stage as a model of sustainability-focused preschool education,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 23).
Md Amin added that the recognition also acknowledged NCDRC’s role as a leader in early childhood research, development and innovation.
NCDRC director Assoc Prof Dr Mazlina Che Mustafa also described the achievement as a collective national success that elevates Malaysian preschool education globally.
She added that Tadika Bitara’s experience could serve as an international reference as ASPnet membership opens doors for collaboration through seminars, workshops, joint projects and access to Unesco’s exclusive learning resources. – Bernama
