The Early Childhood Education Program (PAKK) under the Faculty of Psychology and Education (FPP) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently hosted the ‘Fun Day Kids 2023’ program, aimed at raising public awareness about children's rights.

According to FPP Deputy Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Roslee Talip, the program also provided an opportunity for UMS students to organize events involving external parties.

“This program helps students foster leadership skills, time management, teamwork, and collaborative efforts to ensure the program's success,” he stated.

Dr. Roslee emphasized that children must achieve holistic, integrated, and balanced development across three key domains: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor.

“Children should also be educated on safety measures in various settings. Sexual education empowers children with essential knowledge and protects their rights.

“This program represents a commendable effort by UMS students to promote social awareness among children, instilling values of unity, cooperation, and interpersonal interaction while shaping their character,” he elaborated during his speech at the event's opening ceremony held at UMS recently.

The program saw participation from 50 children from Tabika KEMAS Bolong Baru A and Baru B in Tuaran, Sabah, as well as 32 PAKK UMS students.

Present at the event were PAKK Program Head Dr. Juppri Bacotang, Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Said Ambotang, and Saturia Amiruddin.

Highlights of the program included aerobics sessions, telematches, coloring activities, and a talk on Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEERS) for children, delivered by Prisca Caroline Pius, Principal of Tadika Elit Ceria Q-Dees Putatan.