Genius Aulad A Leader In Early Childhood Education

By Nor Amirah Mahmuddin

PETALING JAYA (Bernama) -- Genius Aulad's English-based Islamic preschool programme has come a long way since it was launched in 2000.

From just 20 children and one centre, it now has more than 75,000 children in 70 preschool and playschool institutions throughout Malaysia and one in Indonesia. 

Genius Aulad International Group Sdn Bhd founder and executive director Zaliza Alias said she conceived the preschool idea while scouting around for a preschool that focused on Islamic studies and teaching of English for her child.

To cast aside the perception that religious schools did not prioritise English, she decided to open her own preschool that offered both subjects.

Genius Aulad focuses on the preschool programme content and providing a conducive place for the children and ensuring their safety by complying with the standard operating procedures.

"Twenty years ago, the early childhood education industry was not that robust... at that time, Genius Aulad was a leader in the Islamic preschool stream that emphasised on English," she said.

Zaliza said her preschool programme uses English as the medium of instruction to enable the children to master the language. The programme also focuses on Islamic education and science.

IMPORTANCE OF IQ AND EQ

Genius Aulad also places importance on developing the children's intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional quotient (EQ).

In line with this, it has developed the iLOVE (acronym for Islamic, Literacy, Original Arts, Value and Excitement) lesson plan that focuses on character building, inculcating compassion and teaching basic skills to develop the potential of every child.

Zaliza said Genius Aulad's learning system is designed according to the level of the child's development.

It also has a playschool programme catering to children aged between two and three years that focuses on the iLOVE lesson plan and helps the children to get accustomed to the school environment.

The preschool programme, meanwhile, complies with the national preschool curriculum and is designed to enable a seamless transition to the primary school.

Genius Aulad's Beyond Preschool programme incorporates the elements of fun learning and exploration and is meant for children who have to remain at the preschool centre until their parents pick them up after work.

PLAY AND LEARN

Zaliza said to improve the children's literacy skills, Genius Aulad emulates the storytelling techniques of Islamic scholar Luqman al Hakim.

"For the teaching and learning process, we have embraced the 'play and learn' technique whereby the children take part in various activities such as singing, reading and playing that are tailored to the needs of each child.

"It's the nature of children to enjoy fun-filled activities and such teaching techniques help to pique their interest in learning," she said.

She said storytelling allows two-way interaction and helps the children to think, as well as stimulate their imagination. This, she added, will improve their higher-order thinking skills.

Face-to-face reading sessions with the teacher are conducted every day, she said, adding that parents are satisfied with the development of their children's reading skills.

AWARDS

With its play and learn teaching concept, Genius Aulad has to fight the perception that education is only possible through the 'book and pencil' method and not through fun-filled activities.

"Parents tend to place too much hope on their children but they have to be realistic about their kids' progress and achievement. They should look at the positive changes in their children's behaviour and eagerness to go to school... instead of merely focusing on their examination scores because they are still in preschool," she explained.

To engage with the parents, Genius Aulad gets them involved in some of their activities to give them the opportunity to see for themselves the capabilities of their children.

Genius Aulad has received various awards over the last few years for its preschool education. It is also endeavouring to penetrate the international market, especially ASEAN, in view of the demand for Islamic education there.

Zaliza said Genius Aulad has also been appointed consultant for various children's television programmes and animation shows, such as 'Omar & Hana'.

Although Genius Aulad has won many accolades, Zaliza is not about to rest on her laurels.

"I want to continue to develop the Islamic preschool industry and create a fun learning ecosystem in this country," she added.

Translated by Rema Nambiar

BERNAMA