Sakuranesia Foundation Explores Integration of Japanese STEAM Education in Indonesian Early Childhood Education
In a groundbreaking move, Sakuranesia Foundation is delving into the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education for Early Childhood Education (PAUD) students in Indonesia. This educational initiative stems from a recent exploration conducted by the foundation’s founder, Tovic, and Sakura Ijuin, at Edogawa Kindergarten in Japan on Friday, January 24th.
The significance of this endeavor lies in the potential to cultivate creative thinking and problem-solving skills in young children, who are poised to shape the future generation, as emphasized by Tovic. Edogawa Kindergarten, a part of the AZALEE Group, has been successfully implementing the STEAM education model for approximately 300 students since 2021, serving as a beacon of inspiration for educational innovation.
One of the key elements observed in this Japanese approach to education is the integration of science, technology, art, and mathematics into the curriculum, as highlighted by Tovic. Simple yet effective activities, such as preparing Japanese udon noodles, serve as a vehicle for blending math and science concepts through hands-on experiences like measuring and mixing ingredients proportionally.
Beyond mere academic endeavors, the AZALEE Group places a strong emphasis on fostering an environment where children are encouraged to explore and derive joy from their own discoveries. This holistic approach has yielded tangible results in terms of increased curiosity and creativity among the students, as noted by Tovic.
Central to the success of this innovative educational model is the collaboration with Prof. Yasufumi Kawamura from Tokyo University of Science, a renowned expert in STEAM education and a scientific advisor for the beloved Doraemon anime series. The expertise and guidance provided by Prof. Kawamura have played a pivotal role in nurturing the inquisitiveness and creativity of children at the kindergarten.
Looking ahead, Sakuranesia Foundation is dedicated to fostering educational cooperation between Indonesia and Japan. Tovic envisions the incorporation of traditional Japanese food culture into the realm of STEAM education as a potential avenue for enriching the educational landscape in Indonesia.
As this initiative takes root and flourishes, it serves as a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration in shaping the future of education. The fusion of Japanese pedagogy with STEAM principles holds the promise of unlocking new horizons for young learners in Indonesia, paving the way for a generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers.
