WORKSHOP ON MUSIC EDUCATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD ON 09TH SEPTEMBER 2024 AT NATIONAL THEATRE, MONT FLEURI BY THE CEO OF IECD/UNESCO CATEGORY 2 INSTITUTE, MRS. SHIRLEY CHOPPY
- Ms. Cecile Kalebi, Permanent Secretary for Culture
- Mr. Jimmy Savy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts & Crafts Council
- Mr. Pierre Joseph, Director of Conservatoire of Performing Arts
- Mr. Antoine Souris, Head of Music Programme at Conservatoire of Performing Arts
- Dr. Susan and Prof. Michael Young
- Workshop participants
- Distinguished guests
- Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning!
It is an honor for me to say a few words on this great occasion – the launch of the workshop in music in early childhood education. I also take this moment to warmly welcome the Permanent Secretary – for making time out of his busy schedule to be with us this morning and support this great cause for our youngest citizens.
I also bid a special welcome to our guests and experts – Dr. and Prof Young to our shores once again. Welcome to Seychelles!
It is also a privilege for the Institute for Early Childhood Development – Category 2 Institute under the auspices of UNESCO to participate in this highly important initiative and to inspire all parties of music for early childhood education. This collaboration with the National Arts Council and Conservatoires des Arts under the ambit of ‘Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts’, underscores the collective responsibility of all institutions and community segments in nurturing the development of our children. Together, we aim not only to acquire knowledge and skills, but also to celebrate the importance and transformative power of music in promoting the holistic development of our youngest learners. Let us seize this opportunity to explore how music enriches their lives and establishes a foundation for lifelong learning and growth.
Our obligations and dedication to creating a nurturing environment for young children in Seychelles is firmly established in our legal framework and targeted programmes. Our role is to ensure that every child has access to well-rounded early learning experiences that are in line with the principles set forth in our legal frameworks.
These frameworks guide our practices, ensuring that the delivery of high-quality early childhood service, through prescribed standards namely, the ‘early learning and interaction’, and a few successful sensitization and training programmes we offer for current and prospective child care personnel. In spite of all these initiatives and efforts being implemented in early childhood care and education, admittedly though, music education in the 0-3 age group is not being fully utilized. An essential area where we need to give more attention and place more emphasis on, in view of the host of benefits on early childhood education and potential impacts on children’s holistic development.
This workshop has come at an opportune time and presents a unique opportunity for all educators working in childcare settings to learn more about music education. It is imperative for educators to understand why music education is important and plan for ways to effectively incorporate it into early learning settings to support children’s development. We hope with the planned sensitization workshops, educators will be able to apply the knowledge and skills in an effort to revitalize music education in their respective facilities. It will also extremely beneficial for the staff of the Institute, in their roles as inspectors, to effectively monitor the implementation of the early learning programmes and related activities being offered in the child care sector.
We know that introducing music education to our youngest learners is not just a pleasurable and an enriching experience; it is a valuable investment in a child’s language, cognitive, social and emotional development. We also understand that as children engage with positive music, whether through listening, singing, or moving to the rhythm, the brain undergoes a symphony of activity, and it also helps nurture creativity, enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By fostering these abilities in our children, we are equipping them with the necessary tools that will make learning more meaningful and also contribute towards success in primary education and beyond.
As mentioned earlier, IECD also implements various programmes for the early years. These programmes incorporate play-based and pre-learning activities designed to stimulate and prepare children for preschool and primary education. We intend to conduct a comprehensive review of a few of the programmes in the forthcoming year. We look forward to discuss this project further with Dr. Young and solicit her expert advice and guidance for the inclusion of music education in terms of contents, capacity building and programme delivery.
Our efforts extend beyond children in registered childcare facilities, as we believe in providing equal learning opportunities for all. This commitment is central to the programme for – ‘Sensitisation Sessions for Parents’ (for short ‘SENSPA’), with children aged between 0-3 years. The programme aims to equip parents of children in unregistered childcare settings or those looking after them at home, with essential information, resources, and practical strategies to stimulate their children. This will no doubt help foster a supportive learning environment at home and can significantly influence their child’s developmental journey at a very early age.
Once again, we need to take a more proactive approach to align this programme with the underlying principles and objectives of music education, whilst acknowledging the critical role of educators and parental involvement in shaping early learning experiences and contributing towards building a solid foundation for later learning and educational achievement.
The benefits of music in early childhood extend far beyond the classroom and educational institutions. By investing in music education, we are fostering a more harmonious society. Music cultivates empathy, respect, and understanding—traits that are essential for better citizenship. Through our collective efforts, we are influencing future generations to appreciate diversity and inclusivity.
As I conclude, I would like to encourage each of you working in the early years to take full advantage of this workshop, and engage fully in discussions and activities. Let us collectively explore the numerous ways we can integrate music into early childhood education, transforming the infant rooms, play and activity groups and spaces, and impacting lives. Together, we will ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in an environment rich with creativity, knowledge, and joy – and get a winning start in life.
Thank you our partners and collaborators for initiating and making this project happen, and for your collective engagement to our children’s holistic development. Let the music begin! I thank you for your attention.
