MIRI: Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, has emphasised the importance of experiential learning in early childhood Islamic education.
She highlighted its role in fostering good etiquette among young children in mosques.
She was speaking to the press after attending the Ramadan Camp Programme organised by Tadika Astana at Masjid Darul Ehsan in Piasau here on Saturday.
Fatimah noted that such initiatives offer a valuable platform for children to learn proper mosque etiquette while also enhancing their communication and social skills.
“When mistakes are made, it becomes an opportunity for us, as adults, to guide our children on the appropriate behaviour in a mosque,” she said.
“This programme serves as a model that should be emulated by other kindergartens and mosques, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.”
Fatimah stressed that early childhood education in Sarawak should adopt an experiential learning approach, allowing children to learn beyond the confines of a classroom.
“Experiential learning means exposing children not just to theoretical knowledge but also to real-life experiences.
“By bringing them to a mosque, they not only see and feel the environment but also learn that a mosque is not just a place for prayer; it is also a space for learning and community interaction,” she explained.
The programme, which brought together children from five different kindergartens, also encouraged social interaction and communication skills.
“They learn to communicate not only within their own kindergarten, but also with children from other kindergartens.
“These interactions help build their confidence and social skills, which are essential for their development,” Fatimah added.
A total 70 children from Tadika Al Amin Aulad, Tadika PASTI Al-Amulillah Permyjaya, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Chung Hua Tudan, Sekolah Kebangsaan Anchi, Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Bintang, Tadika Tahfiz HIKMAH, Sekolah Rendah Islam Integrasi Tahfiz (SRIITIZ), and Tadika Sri Mawar attended the programme.
She also highlighted the significance of parental involvement in such activities.
“The presence and support of parents encourage children to participate actively.
“This kind of parental engagement is crucial in reinforcing the values and lessons imparted during the programme,” she noted.
During the event, the children engaged in various hands-on Islamic learning activities.
Fatimah described the initiative as a well-planned and exemplary programme that should be considered for expansion.
“I will bring this matter up in the Early Childhood Education Council meeting.
“This collaboration between Tadika Astana and Masjid Darul Ehsan is commendable.
“The mosque has shown a very open and welcoming attitude in allowing educational activities to take place,” she said.
She also expressed hope that similar activities could be organised beyond Ramadan, noting that communal gatherings, including shared meals, help strengthen bonds within the community.
“This sense of togetherness is crucial for fostering social harmony and well-being in society,” she concluded.
