The Faculty of Psychology, Diponegoro University, conducted a community engagement program entitled “Teaching with Heart, Educating with Meaning: Strengthening Solidarity and Mutual Support among Early Childhood Teachers” at PAUD Permata. The activity involved early childhood teachers, lecturers, and psychology students as part of the university’s commitment to the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.
The event was also attended by representatives of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of Diponegoro University, as PAUD Permata is one of the educational units managed under the DWP’s community service and educational programs. Their presence reflected the organization’s commitment to continuously supporting the improvement of early childhood education and teacher development.
The program aimed to strengthen teachers’ professional commitment, foster teamwork, and cultivate a supportive working culture among early childhood educators. During the two-hour interactive workshop, participants engaged in reflective learning activities, including sharing meaningful teaching experiences, discussing professional values, visualizing children’s classroom experiences, collaboratively developing team values, and signing a shared commitment charter.
Unlike conventional training sessions that primarily emphasize knowledge transfer, this workshop adopted an experiential learning approach that encouraged teachers to reconnect with the purpose of their profession and reflect on the emotional impact they have on young children.
According to Dr. Novi Qonitatin, Head of the Community Engagement Team from the Faculty of Psychology, Diponegoro University, “Early childhood teachers are not only responsible for children’s academic readiness. More importantly, they create children’s first experiences of safety, trust, and emotional security in school. Through this program, we hope teachers will continue nurturing these values while strengthening mutual support among colleagues.”
Throughout the workshop, participants actively shared their personal experiences, reflected on professional challenges, and collaboratively identified core values that would serve as their collective commitment as educators. The atmosphere was warm, engaging, and emotionally meaningful.
One participant expressed appreciation for the training approach. “This workshop reminded us why we chose this profession. We did not simply receive new knowledge; we rediscovered the meaning of being a teacher and realized how our daily attitudes shape children’s future experiences. We leave feeling inspired and motivated.”
Psychology students from Diponegoro University also participated as facilitators, supporting group discussions and reflective activities. Their involvement demonstrated the importance of collaboration between higher education institutions and educational communities in promoting quality early childhood education.
Through this community engagement initiative, the Faculty of Psychology, Diponegoro University reaffirms its commitment to developing evidence-based, sustainable, and community-centered psychological programs that enhance educators’ professional competence and psychological well-being while contributing to the improvement of early childhood education in Indonesia.
