Kulon Progo Early Childhood Educators Strengthen Understanding of Child Rights Convention

The training, held from 29 June to 2 July 2026, was a joint effort by the Gugah Nurani Indonesia (GNI) foundation, the Kulon Progo Education, Youth and Sports Office, and the ECCD-RC Yayasan Sekolah Rumah Citta. It aimed to strengthen the capacity of educators to create child-friendly and inclusive school environments. A total of 174 PAUD teachers and administrators from across Kulon Progo Regency took part in the four-day intensive course, receiving comprehensive material from expert speakers on child protection and the practical implementation of inclusive education in the classroom. Bunda PAUD of Kulon Progo, Nuraini Mufida, stressed that children are not merely beneficiaries but subjects of development whose rights must be fulfilled. During the training, educators explored the four main pillars of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The implementation of inclusive education was a primary focus, emphasising the philosophy that the education system must adapt to the unique needs of each child, not the other way around. The training was not only theoretical but also practical, using microteaching methods based on case studies and role play. Teachers simulated real interactions between educators, children, and parents to practise making decisions that favour the child. As a sustainable guide, participants were provided with a ‘PAUD Inclusive Implementation Module Based on Local Wisdom of Kulon Progo’, collaboratively developed by practitioners and academics to ensure relevance to local culture and social characteristics. Head of the Kulon Progo Education Office, Drs. Nur Wahyudi, expressed high appreciation, particularly for educators in geographically challenging areas such as Kokap and Girimulyo. He acknowledged the local government’s limitations, which previously could only reach a few teachers per sub-district. ‘We really appreciate Gugah Nurani for involving 174 PAUD teachers across Kulon Progo. As we know, we have our own limitations; we were only able to reach four teachers in each sub-district,’ said Nur Wahyudi. Community Development Project Manager of Gugah Nurani Kulon Progo, Makrus Ali, expressed hope that participants would become pioneers in their respective schools. Through stakeholder mapping and a follow-up action plan that has been prepared, it is expected that a safe, comfortable, and inclusive school culture will be created for all children in Kulon Progo.