Unesco all praise for inclusive education approach

PETALING JAYA: Our inclusive education system has been hailed as a shining example for all countries to follow in the fight against extremism.

Unesco director-general Irina Bokova praised the country’s focus on inclusion and mutual respect in its education policies.

“Malaysia is leading the way in South-East Asia in fostering inclusive and equitable education as the basis for sustainable green growth.

“The Malaysian Government has taken a firm stance against violent extremism through inclusion and education, which Unesco considers the most effective long-term prevention to forces threatening to divide societies,” she said in a statement.

Her statement was published on the Unesco website in conjunction with the launch of the Asia Society Centre for Global Citizenship Education.

Bokova said Malaysia’s comprehensive focus from early childhood and across the learning cycle, its National Education Blueprint 20132025, elaborated with the support of Unesco, was an example to countries of all income levels.

She added that Malaysia’s respect for diversity was a conviction by Unesco, which was reflected in Kuala Lumpur hosting the new Regional Counter-Messaging Communication Centre, as well as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s call for a Global Movement of Moderates against extremism.

Bokova also praised the early childhood programme Permata as a prime model for promoting peace and cultural diversity.

“In this context, Permata, set up on the initiative of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, stands as an outstanding example of inclusion, reaching the most marginalised through holistic approaches.

“It promotes values of peace, non-violence and respect for cultural diversity, and improves lifetime opportunities for children and youths,” she said.