A noteworthy advancement in Sri Lanka's educational sector was recently revealed with the partnership between AIC Campus and Plymouth Marjon University. This collaboration will offer the first Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Early Childhood Education in Sri Lanka, granting local students the opportunity to pursue high-quality British education in this essential field.
The announcement was made at a special event hosted by Mario Fredericks, Assistant Manager at AIC Campus. The gathering was graced by notable attendees such as CEO Dr. Amila Kulatunge, COO Inthikab Zufer, and Director of Academics and Quality Assurance Prof. Inoka Perera. The speakers emphasized the significance of this initiative in advancing early childhood education in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Kulatunge underscored the strategic significance of these new programs stating, “This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting the growth of early childhood education in Sri Lanka”, He emphasised that the partnership would help bridge the gap in local educational offerings and align them with international standards.
AIC Campus Lecturer Rajkumar Abhilashanee expressed her enthusiasm for the new programs. She said, “The introduction of these UK qualifications will not only enhance the quality of early childhood education in Sri Lanka but also provide our students with a competitive edge in the global job market”.
NHSL Colombo Senior Medical Officer Dr. Burhanuddin Hamza also addressed the gathering, stressing the broader impact of early childhood education. “Investing in early childhood education is crucial for laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being”, Dr. Hamza remarked. He pointed out that quality early education is linked to better health and developmental outcomes, making this partnership an important step for Sri Lankan children.
Recent statistics underscore the value of such programs. A report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that each additional year of early childhood education can boost a child's future earnings by up to 10%. In Sri Lanka, where only 30% of children have access to quality early childhood education, this partnership seeks to make a substantial impact. Additionally, data from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Education projects a 15% increase in the demand for qualified early childhood educators over the next five years, further highlighting the timely nature of this initiative.
Plymouth Marjon University, known for its exceptional educational standards and high student satisfaction, will offer a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care and a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Early Childhood. These programs are crafted to equip students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in early childhood teaching and management.
