On 2 December 2023, SEGi’s Education Department organised a groundbreaking event titled “Empowering Early Years Educators: Keeping Children Safe from Harm.” This event, held at Level 6, Theatre Hall, SEGi’s Subang Jaya campus, aimed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognise and handle challenging situations and incidents that may arise in early years settings. Drawing inspiration from the Bachelor’s Degree in Early Years Education (BAEYE) offered by the University of Greenwich, SEGi showcased its commitment to providing quality education.
The event adopted a hybrid format, allowing both physical and online attendance through YouTube and Facebook live streaming. This innovative approach attracted over 500 online attendees, while many early years educators and students also participated in person. The event gained substantial attention, highlighting the importance of child safety in today’s society.
Esteemed guest speakers from various fields shared their expertise during the event. Inspector Nor Aznida Aladin from the Royal Malaysia Police, IPD Subang Jaya, provided invaluable insights into comprehensive strategies employed by law enforcement agencies to safeguard children. Inspector Nor Aznida’s extensive experience in investigating sexual crimes involving women and children allowed her to shed light on the Malaysia Child Protection System. She discussed specific cases of child abuse and neglect, sharing statistics related to child safety concerns in Malaysia. Her success stories showcased the Royal Malaysia Police’s effectiveness in ensuring the safety of children.
Yew Tian Tian, the founder of Cutie Cottage Education Group, delivered an inspiring talk about her purpose in early childhood education and her dedication to empowering working mothers. She emphasised the mission of Cutie Cottage Education Group to provide quality care and education for children. Yew’s story resonated with the audience, highlighting the power of passion and determination to make a difference in young children’s lives.
Nur Aqilah, a registered nurse and qualified first aider, shared her healthcare and early childhood development expertise. She started her journey as an infant educarer at Cutie Cottage eight years ago and has become a master trainer. Her talk focused on recognising and implementing effective strategies to address challenging situations and incidents in early years settings. She discussed prevalent diseases and accidents such as Sudden Infant Death (SID) and choking, equipping educators with vital knowledge to ensure the well-being of children.
Lastly, Hong Jeng Yi, also from Cutie Cottage, specialises in early childhood development and education. She emphasised the importance of creating a secure and trusting atmosphere within early years settings. Hong explored space design and organisation to foster safety and well-being. Her insights provided practical ideas for enhancing children’s overall safety and well-being.
The event facilitated an open dialogue between participants and guest speakers, with insightful questions surrounding child abuse, neglect, and safety in early years settings being posed. This platform for discussion and advocacy left a lasting impact on all attendees.
In a time when cases of abuse and neglect in early years centres are increasingly prevalent, this event catalyses change. Inspector Noor Aznida emphasised during the Q&A session that prioritising children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. Early years educators and centres have to guarantee the safety and well-being of enrolled children. Empowered with knowledge and tools, educators can act by reporting abuse or neglect when identified. This event aims to create a safer environment for children by equipping educators with the necessary resources to raise awareness about their well-being.
SEGi’s commitment to empowering early years educators will undoubtedly contribute to a more secure and trusting atmosphere within early years settings. This dedication ensures the safety and protection of our most vulnerable population – our children.
