Malaysia

Thought this was interesting. It seems no matter how much work one does, it's always just beginning.

Government May Introduce Early Childhood Education

KUALA LUMPUR
July 1 (Bernama)

The government is studying the benefits of introducing a system of early childhood education for two-and-a-half-year olds, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said if the study found early childhood education beneficial to children, a ministry would be assigned the task to implement the concept.

The study was being made by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, he told reporters after taking part in the Malaysia Charity Gold Championship 2006 for the Prime Minister's Trophy at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club here Saturday.

The competition was organised by the Overseas Umno Clubs Alumni to raise funds for the Malaysian Pengasih Association and Malaysian Hope Foundation for Children.

"Early childhood education is based on the scientific view that human brain development should begin from age two-and-a-half years," said Najib.

He said the study would involve finding an appropriate formula to prepare children psychologically and emotionally to become better students when they enter primary school.

A pilot project might begin at the end of the year, following which the Cabinet's approval would be needed to train teachers and draw up the curriculum, he said.

Childhood education, if implemented, would be offered to parents on a voluntary basis, he added.

Asked about recent cases of bullying and fighting in schools, Najib said they were few in number and did not reflect any serious problems in the education system.

He said cases of student indiscipline occurred everywhere in the world and would be dealt with by the authorities concerned.-- BERNAMA