DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - Jelita Asri Ludin Tambunan, head of Bunda PAUD in Deli Serdang Regency, praised the implementation of Gebyar PAUD, an event organized by the Association of Indonesian Early Childhood Education Teachers and Professionals (HIMPAUDI) of Deli Serdang Regency in collaboration with Bunda PAUD of Percut Sei Tuan District. The event was held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the hall of the Percut Sei Tuan District Head's Office. It was designed to ensure that early childhood education is not focused solely on learning activities, but also provides children with opportunities to develop creativity, confidence, sportsmanship, and social skills.
Gebyar PAUD featured various activities and competitions involving preschool-age children. The series of activities gave children an opportunity to learn in an enjoyable atmosphere while developing a range of abilities that are important to their growth and development.
Jelita emphasized that events such as Gebyar PAUD have significant educational value. Through the activities, children learn not only how to participate in competitions but also gain experience in dealing with new situations. They are given opportunities to try things they may never have done before, interact with their peers, and accept the outcomes of each activity with a sporting attitude.
Building Courage and Fairness from an Early Age
Jelita explained that the various competitions held during Gebyar PAUD encourage children to try new things, accept results fairly, and continue learning when they have not yet achieved victory.
According to her, winning should not be the sole objective of activities for preschool-age children. The experience of participating, having the courage to perform in front of others, being willing to try something new, and being able to accept the results are all important lessons that children should begin learning at an early age.
At the same time, she delivered a direct message to the children, encouraging them not to feel sad or discouraged if they had not yet won a competition. Jelita reminded them to remain eager to learn and continue making an effort.
"If you have not won yet, do not be sad. Stay motivated, keep smiling, keep learning, and never stop learning," she told the children.
The message highlights the importance of developing children's character from an early age through simple and enjoyable experiences. Children should not be taught to focus solely on results, but should also understand that trying, learning, and making another effort are all part of their personal development.
Activities in which children are directly involved also create opportunities to build self-confidence. When children are given the chance to perform in front of friends, teachers, or family members, they learn to overcome shyness and demonstrate their abilities with confidence.
ENCOURAGING CHILDREN TO STAY MOTIVATED: Jelita Asri Ludin Tambunan, head of Bunda PAUD in Deli Serdang Regency, emphasizes the importance of teaching children to remain motivated and fair and to continue learning even when they have not yet achieved victory in a competition. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Strengthening Social Interaction Among Peers
In addition to promoting courage and fairness, Gebyar PAUD also gives children opportunities to interact with their social environment. Meeting children from different educational institutions and spending time with family members provides them with broader social experiences.
Jelita considers these interactions important because the ability to integrate socially is an essential part of a child's development. Through group activities, children learn to meet new people, work together, communicate with one another, and follow rules during games and competitions.
"Through these activities, children can learn to interact with their friends and do things together that bring them joy. At the same time, they can spend time together with their families," she said.
The presence of families at the event also carries important significance. Parents and other family members can directly support children as they participate in the activities. Such support can help children develop greater confidence while creating positive and lasting experiences.
For preschool-age children, family support does not necessarily have to come in the form of gifts or pressure to become winners. Presence, attention, encouragement, and appreciation for a child's courage to try something new are important factors in building self-confidence.
Therefore, PAUD activities involving families and the wider community can help strengthen relationships among children, parents, educators, and society. This collaboration also creates an educational environment that is more responsive to children's developmental needs.
GEBYAR PAUD AS A SPACE FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION: Jelita Asri Ludin Tambunan explains that Gebyar PAUD provides children with opportunities to interact with their peers while spending time together with their families and experiencing a sense of community. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Positive Experiences for Children's Development
Gebyar PAUD is also part of a collective effort to create an enjoyable early childhood education environment and support children's holistic development. Education at this stage is not limited to academic abilities, but also encompasses social and emotional development, creativity, and character building.
Jelita expressed hope that the entire series of activities would provide positive experiences for the participating children. She also hoped that similar activities would continue to be part of joint efforts to improve the quality of
early childhood education in Deli Serdang Regency.
The event, which brought together children, educators, education professionals, parents, and various other stakeholders, demonstrates that early childhood education requires the involvement of different segments of society. Educators have the responsibility of providing stimulation and learning opportunities, while families accompany and support children in their daily lives.
Through a playful and enjoyable approach, children are encouraged to enjoy the learning process without feeling pressured. Various creative and interactive activities can also help children discover their potential, overcome challenges, and develop healthy relationships with their surroundings.
Through Gebyar PAUD, the shared commitment to providing children with a positive space for development has once again taken center stage. The event is not merely a competition, but also provides children with an opportunity to play, learn, try new things, and enjoy meaningful moments with friends and family members.
Ultimately, the experiences children gain from the event are expected to accompany them throughout their continued development. Collaboration between HIMPAUDI, Bunda PAUD, educational institutions, families, and various community stakeholders is therefore an important part of building a high-quality
early childhood education ecosystem in Deli Serdang Regency.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala