MUHAMMADIYAH.ID, SURABAYA— Early Childhood Education (PAUD) should become a priority since it is a place to create future generations and to mold children’s characters in their golden age.
In training and a national seminar on PAUD curriculum conducted by the Central Board of Nasyiatul Aisyiyah (PPNA), General Secretary of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti stated that education for children is commenced before they are born. It begins choosing a good life partner who will educate their children. Selecting a prospective spouse is a fundamental right of children that a parent should occupy.
“Thus, choosing a spouse is a part of education. If we opt for an unqualified partner, the children may have less quality,” declared Abdul Mu’ti.
Abdul Mu’ti, who is also a lecturer of Department of Islamic Studies of Univesitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, cited a figure of Islamic Education from Allepo, Abdullah Nasih Ulwan. Rights of children from their parents are choosing great parents. Hence, parents are responsible for not only educating children after their birth but also choosing a partner who will accompany him/her to educate the children.
Abdul Mu’ti gave the advice to Nasyiatul Aisyiyah cadres who are single. He added that choosing a partner may not copy other people or do it carelessly.
“Do not just pick a partner as I did. I chose my wife since she is beautiful, has great faith and other merits,” joked Mu’ti.
Furthermore, he conveyed that the PAUD should be a priority. The PAUD becomes fundamental education which brings huge impacts on children’s characters when they are adult. Therefore, the PAUD entails a great curriculum. He also encouraged the Nasyiatul Aisyiyah cadres to read lots of literature of PAUD as a book by Aristotle entitled ‘Give Me a Child Until He Is 7.’
“The book emphasizes the significance of early childhood education, and the children’s further development is decided when they are 0-7,” explained Mu’ti.
Additionally, organized by Hall of Graha Wiyata of Office of Quality Assurance (LPMP), Jalan Ketintang Wiyata No. 15 Surabaya on Friday (5/7), the training was attended by Chairwoman of the PPNA Diyah Puspitarini, General Secretary of Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Didik Suhardi.