A festive atmosphere filled the courtyard of community preschool Sehat Ceria Bojonggede, Bogor, West Java as the school held its graduation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic year. In the Wednesday morning (June, 18) on a small stage set up on the school’s terrace, children dressed in black and white outfits performed dances, songs, and short speeches with confidence in front of parents, teachers, and invited guests.
“I love this school because we do so many fun activities. Today I danced to “Trio Kwek Kwek”. It was so much fun!” said Hana (7 years old), smiling after her performance in a pink dress.
Though the stage was modest, the event was a meaningful moment for the twenty-two children graduating that day. The ceremony marked an important milestone as they prepare to enter primary school, while also serving as a moment of reflection for parents and teachers who have supported the children’s growth throughout their early childhood education journey.
One of the parents, Mrs. Titin, shared her gratitude for the progress her child made during a year at community preschool Sehat Ceria.
“When my child first joined, she didn’t recognize any letters. She was already six years old at the time. But thanks to the patient and joyful teaching approach here, she’s now reading fluently. I feel proud and emotional,” she said.
Likewise, Mr. Gilang (not his real name) proudly watched his 4.5-year-old daughter perform confidently on stage. He recorded her performance on his phone with bright eyes.
“Over the past year, my daughter has become much braver and more confident. She’s no longer shy to perform or play with her friends. I hope this development continues, and we’ll keep supporting her at home,” he shared.
Early Childhood Education: The Foundation for the Future
Early childhood education is more than a first step. It’s the foundation of a child’s future. At community preschool Sehat Ceria, this process is approached with joy, warmth, and compassion.
As an educational initiative under Foundation for Mother and Child Health (FMCH) Indonesia, the school places inclusive, community-based learning at the heart of its curriculum. Children are encouraged to learn through play, explore emotions, socialize, and develop responsibility and empathy from an early age.
The school is widely known for welcoming all children, regardless of background or ability. Through events like this, the school reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive, and joyful early childhood education.
“We help children build character so they’re ready for elementary school. Every child is embraced equally, no place for favoritism here. We also encourage parents to stay involved at home,” said Principal Bu Nung.
With the implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka, the school conducts play-based learning tailored to each child’s developmental stage. Activities include skill stimulation, independence training, nutrition programs with healthy meals and regular health check-ups, and instilling social, religious, and environmental values such as planting activities, sorting waste, and recycling waste to strengthening their awareness of sustainability from an early age.
11 Years of Community Impact
Over the past 11 years, community preschool Sehat Ceria has become the only consistently active and trusted early childhood education provider in community unit, RW 10, in Bojonggede. Until now, 257 children have gone through their golden years of early development at this preschool. It is a remarkable milestone that reflects how inclusive and compassionate early childhood education can truly transform the landscape of education in the surrounding community.
“Thank you to Yayasan Balita Sehat for supporting education in our area. I’ve followed community preschool Sehat Ceria since it was first established. Back then, many families couldn’t afford to send their children to kindergarten. Thankfully, this PAUD gave our children in ‘RW 10’ access to education. Now, many of its graduates are excelling in primary school, which makes more and more parents interested in sending their children here. I think that’s a really good thing,” said the head of neighborhood (RT), Bojonggede.
Written by: Tutik Inayati
Media and Communication Officer
Foundation for Mother and Child Health Indonesia
