KUCHING: Educators play an important role in building good character in children, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Even though face-to-face lessons have certain limitations, educators must be physically present to help young children develop good character,” he emphasised.
He said that educators and parents or guardians must work together in this.
“Good character development is enormously important to build the core foundation that children depend on to meet life’s demands, such as the new norms, throughout their lives.
“Nowadays, we see that digital learning has greatly increased. With the development of online learning platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom Meetings, a generation with good character can be molded,” he added.
Noting that the Covid-19 pandemic was indeed a challenge in all fields including education, he said that in this new era, educators must possess high enthusiasm and put in the maximum amount of hard work so that education could be developed to a more advanced level.
Abang Johari said this when officiating at the launch of Sarawak Preschool International Convention 2021 themed ‘Character Building in the New Norm’, which was held virtually via Zoom and Facebook Live on Saturday (Oct 2).
He said he truly believed that character building was the basis for personal growth as well as the foundation for lifelong learning.
“It promotes character development, which enables children to build a reservoir of strength from which they can draw throughout their lives.
“Self-esteem, confidence, courage, resilience, integrity, and forgiveness are some of the examples of traits that can sustain children at home, at school, and in the community,” he said adding that through one’s character, one communicated daily with others and constantly affected one another.
“Children’s brains are like a sponge which can soak information from the environment, whether it’s school, home, or even public places,” said Abang Johari in emphasising the importance of good character development among children.
