The UNNES PGPAUD Study Program once again held the Semarang Early Childhood Research and Education Talks (SECRET) International Conference. The International Conference was held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at MG Setos, the biennial conference was attended by 250 participants consisting of researchers, teachers, and PAUD activists.
“This year’s 7th Secret carries the theme Transforming Inclusion in Early Childhood Education,” said Diana as the committee chair in her statement. Diana added that SECRET 2024 collaborated with three parties, namely the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, UNNES, the community of teachers
and educators in the city of Semarang.
Before the SECRET International Conference, a workshop on Inclusive Early Childhood Education Class Management was also held at the same location by the Directorate of GTK PAUD DIKMAS KEMENDIKBUDRISTEK. The workshop involved 50 selected PAUD teachers and educators in Semarang City. “We entrust these 50 people as levers of inclusion in Semarang City,” said Yuni Lestari representing GTK PAUD Kemendikbudristek.
Separately, the Coordinator of PGPAUD and UNNES PAUD Masters Program Ali Formen, conveyed the importance of inclusion for Early Childhood Education centers. “Early Childhood Education Centers are places where young people learn democratic justice. Inclusion is the key”. Inclusive Early Childhood Education ensures justice in children’s growth and development.
Speakers at the 2024 SECRET Conference are Rebecca Jane Addelrey from Harrow International School Thailand, Muniroh Munawar, Universitas PGRI Semarang Sunardi, Professor Sebelas Maret University, Fatin Aliana from UiTM Malaya Malaysia, Melissa Bartolome from Philippine Normal University Philippines. Also appearing are Jainatul Halida Jaidin from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education University Brunei Darussalam, and Monika Polakola, from Kindergarten Mocenok Slovakia.
The conference is an invitation and reminder about the contribution of Early Childhood Education to close every gap in the injustice of children’s growth and development. Injustice that often occurs due to differences or specializations. Thus the spokesperson for the Conference, Wantoro, added.
