Benedikta Subiyarti, also known as Ibu Yarti, is a devoted PAUD worker. Although she is not well recognised, her efforts have turned PAUD in the Cibodas and Sunten Jaya neighbourhoods of Lembang District, Bandung, from a mediocre PAUD to one with accomplishments and recognition. Despite working in the background, she has made a big difference in the region’s early childhood education (PAUD).

^{*Activities Ibu Subiyarti with Pre-school Children, Cibodas, West Java}

Starting from PAUD administrator

Ibu Yarti began working in early childhood education at PAUD Kartini Cibodas in 2018 but as an administrator, not a teacher. The centre was busy preparing for accreditation at the time, so it needed more staff. Ibu Yarti jumped right in and did everything she could to help the institution get a good mark. Thanks to her hard work with the team, PAUD Kartini Cibodas was successfully certified in September 2019 with a B grade.

Appointed as a PAUD coordinator for two villages

Ibu Yarti became even more involved in the PAUD community as a result of her commitment and engagement. She was trusted to serve as Regional Coordinator (Korwil) for the villages of Cibodas and Sunten Jaya under the auspices of the Indonesian Association of Early Childhood Educators and Education Personnel (HIMPAUDI). In addition to coordinating, this position involves providing direct support to ten PAUDs in the region.

Ibu Yarti actively participates in a number of trainings given by the local Education Office in an effort to raise the standard of education. She shared the knowledge she acquired with other PAUD teachers rather than keeping it to herself. Her perseverance is beginning to pay off. As of right now, five PAUDs have successfully obtained B accreditation, four have obtained C accreditation, and one is being urged to get an operational licence right away.

Need to improve the capacity of PAUD teachers

One thing that becomes the main motivation for Ibu Yarti in assisting PAUD is her concern about the capacity of PAUD teachers, the majority of whom are merely  junior high school graduates. However, their limited formal education does not dampen their spirit in teaching, which makes Ibu Yarti more persistent in providing guidance and mentoring, as well as encouraging them to improve their capacity so that the quality of PAUD education in the area can be further improved.

Sincerity and relentless hard work

Now, Ibu Yarti’s role has expanded. Aside from being the HIMPAUDI Regional Coordinator, she also serves as the Head of Training and Development. This position has brought her further into the world of early childhood education. She is often invited to be a resource person, especially in activities with parenting themes in PAUD institutions assisted by HIMPAUDI Lembang District.

Ibu Yarti’s journey teaches us that dedication, especially in the world of early childhood education, does not always have to start with having a high academic degree, but it can be from sincerity and relentless hard work. She is a living proof that with sincerity, hard work, and relentless determination to learn, one individual can bring a big change for the future of the nation’s next generation.

^{*Activities Ibu Subiyarti with Indonesian Association of Early Childhood Educators and Education Personnel (HIMPAUDI)}

Author: Dwi Septiani
Editor: Zul Herman