By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH

SHAH ALAM, June 14 — More than 3,000 children from the Al Kauthar Eduqids (AKE) network across the Klang Valley took part in AKE Kids Hajj 2026 on Saturday, June 13, at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, Shah Alam, making it one of the largest Islamic educational simulations for children ever organised in Malaysia.

The large-scale programme, conducted in conjunction with the month of Zulhijjah, provided young participants with a hands-on understanding of the Hajj pilgrimage while instilling values of discipline, patience, obedience, sacrifice and brotherhood through experiential learning tailored to their age and developmental stage.

Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Al Kauthar Eduqids, Datin Dr. (hc) Nor Fadilah Alias, said the programme reflected AKE’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Islamic early childhood education through interactive and meaningful learning experiences.

“We believe the best education is not merely what is taught in the classroom, but what children are able to experience and feel for themselves. Through AKE Kids Hajj, they not only learn about the Hajj pilgrimage, but also gain an appreciation of patience, discipline, obedience, sacrifice and the spirit of brotherhood.

“These values are essential in nurturing a generation with strong moral character, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility towards their families, communities and the nation,” she said.

Nor Fadilah said Malaysia needs a future generation that is not only academically capable and creatively minded, but also grounded in strong moral and ethical values.

“The development of values and character must begin at a young age because this is the stage where the foundations of a person’s life are formed,” she said.

She added that early childhood education at AKE extends beyond academic achievement and includes character building, Quranic memorisation, supplications, remembrance (zikir) and the practical application of Islamic values in everyday life.

Nor Fadilah also highlighted AKE’s commitment to inclusive education, stressing that the organisation welcomes both typically developing children and children with special needs without discrimination.

According to her, special arrangements, including priority lanes, were provided throughout the event to accommodate children with autism, speech delays, cerebral palsy and those using wheelchairs.

“We believe every child deserves equal opportunities to learn and participate. Inclusive education is no longer an option; it is a necessity in today’s educational landscape,” she said.

She noted that AKE currently operates more than 200 centres nationwide and will continue focusing on strengthening educational quality, teacher development and operational excellence across its network.

“We already have a strong and extensive presence nationwide. Our focus now is on enhancing curriculum quality, teacher training and delivery systems to ensure that what is good today becomes even better in the future,” she said.

Meanwhile, Siti Shafizah Sharani, Principal of Al Kauthar Eduqids Southville City, Dengkil, said AKE Kids Hajj is an annual programme designed to introduce the Hajj pilgrimage to children from as young as three years old.

She explained that participants progressed through eight simulation checkpoints that mirrored the actual Hajj journey, beginning with Ihram, followed by Wuquf at Arafah, Mabit in Muzdalifah, the stoning of the Jamrah, Tawaf around the Kaabah, Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, Tahallul and the sacrificial ritual (Qurban).

“Through this simulation, children are able to gain a clearer understanding of the fifth pillar of Islam in a fun and engaging way because they learn through direct experience.

“The programme also strengthens the bond between parents, teachers and children through shared participation in the activities,” she said.

She added that introducing children to Hajj at an early age helps deepen their understanding of Islam and complements the religious education they receive in school.

About Al Kauthar Eduqids

Established in 2013, Al Kauthar Eduqids is one of Malaysia’s largest Islamic early childhood education networks, combining the Montessori approach with Islamic values and teachings.

Today, the organisation operates more than 200 centres nationwide, supported by over 600 educators and serving more than 6,000 students and 12,000 parents within its educational community.

AKE also offers an Early Intervention Programme (EIP) for children with special needs from as young as two years old, while providing childcare and preschool education beginning from the age of three months through centres registered under the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE).

Through a combination of academic learning, character development, experiential education and inclusive teaching practices, AKE aims to nurture a generation that excels not only academically, but also possesses strong moral values, leadership qualities and a commitment to contributing positively to society and the nation.

This story credited to TNS NEWS