Who says that men cannot take charge of early childhood education?

For too long, the field of early childhood education has been stereotyped as a profession dominated by women. Many believe that nurturing young children, guiding their early learning, and working within early childhood development is best suited to women. 

However, Muhamad Maulana and Muhammad Lutfi Assidiqi, two male students from the UIII Faculty of Education (FoE), set out to challenge this perception as they decided to intern at an organization focused on early childhood education across Southeast Asia in Bandung, West Java. 

From July 22nd to August 22nd, 2024, Lutfi and Maulana, along with five other students from the faculty, participated in a month-long internship at SEAMEO CECCEP, a regional organization dedicated to early childhood care and education (ECCE) and parenting across Southeast Asia. 

Lutfi, who was assigned to the Advocacy and Partnership division, found the experience particularly enriching. "I was initially nervous about how I’d be received as a male in this field, but I quickly realized that my gender didn’t matter. What mattered was my contribution to the discussions and projects,” he reflected.  

Lutfi's tasks were varied and challenging. He participated in policy discussions, worked on a curriculum for Cambodia, and helped prepare reports that would later be launched internationally. “Being involved in these projects helped me see that men, too, have an important role in shaping the future of early childhood education,” he added. 

Similarly, Maulana, who worked in the Research and Development (RnD) division, shared his experience of facing societal assumptions. “I’m particularly aware that the field of early childhood is often associated with women,” he said. "But during the internship, I realized how much value men can bring to this field.”  

Maulana’s role involved working on parenting and the child’s transition from kindergarten to elementary school. He was particularly mesmerized by how early childhood education shapes individuals’ lives into adulthood. “We’re not just dealing with children; we’re building the foundation for future generations,” he noted. 

This internship experience has allowed Lutfi and Maulana to shatter preconceived notions about men in early childhood education. Their participation not only challenged societal stereotypes but also opened doors for future male students to be involved in the field.  Their spirit aligns closely with the values that UIII upholds in promoting gender equality in education, particularly in early childhood.

This internship is a component of the Independent Study course offered by the Faculty of Education, allowing students to engage in self-directed projects that contribute to their future career or research growth. In addition to partnering with organizations like SEAMEO CECCEP, students have also gained internship experience at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and various international schools in Indonesia.

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