Where Empathy Meets Scholarship: Reflections from attending European Early Childhood Education Association (EECERA) conference
By Syifa Mufiedatussalam
Attending the EECERA Conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, on 25-28 August 2025, was an unforgettable experience for me personally. I felt so proud to be part of a conference series that has been running for 43 years. The EECERA is widely recognized as one of the most reputable in the field of early childhood education in the world. And being held in Europe made it even more meaningful. The continent where early childhood education first took root, since Froebel to Montessori. So, it felt like returning to the source, learning directly from its origins.
I loved the atmosphere. At EECREA, the participants were not only brilliant scholars with remarkable contributions but also supportive, humble, and full of empathy. The vibes were incredibly positive. Everyone valued and respected each other, and I felt genuinely welcomed. From the very first sessions to the last conversations in the hallways, there was a sense of warmth, respect, and empathy. These were not just academics presenting data or theories. At EECERA, the participants were the people who genuinely cared about children’s futures.
Together with my supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Charyna Ayu Rizkyanti, PhD, I had the chance to discuss with the president of EECERA and the chief editor of the Early Childhood Education Research Journal (EECERJ). We chatted over coffee, shared stories, and learned more about how EECERA is expanding its reach across the globe. To our surprise, we were even invited to take on the role of EECERA Country Coordinators for Indonesia. It was an honor as well as a responsibility that we are eager to embrace.
I was also privileged to present two papers alongside my supervisor:
- Striking the Right Balance of Cognitive and Affective Empathy in Gen Z Early Childhood Teachers
- How Well Are You, Dear Early Childhood Teachers?
Sharing these papers in such a supportive environment was transformative. It was about bringing Indonesian voices to the international stage. We are also contributing to the ongoing global dialogue on early childhood education and teacher well-being. The feedback was thoughtful. At the same time, the discussions felt like genuine collaborations rather than critiques. We found a safe space to talk. All the ideas were not only tested but also nurtured. I left each session not with a sense of being judged. I felt appreciated. Because my study resonated with others who care deeply about the same issues.
Presenting my papers at EECERA was not only about sharing research findings. It was also about representing our country, Indonesia, at the international stage. I felt a deep sense of responsibility to bring the story of my country into the conversation. Indonesia is not just another context. It is a vast and complex nation. I reminded the audience that Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, with more than 17,000 islands located in Southeast Asia region. It is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, with over 800 living languages spoken across the country. This incredible diversity shapes not only daily life but also the way education is envisioned and practiced.
As I introduced my research, I shared how educational policies in Indonesia are designed to navigate this complexity. Many participants were surprised to learn about the scale of our nation, and about the challenges of implementing policies across such a geographically dispersed and culturally diverse population. For some of them, it was the first time they realized just how big Indonesia is, and how different our educational landscape looks compared to most countries in Europe. While many European countries deal with relatively more uniform systems, Indonesia must find ways to create unity while honoring diversity. This makes policymaking especially challenging, and fascinating.
This context provided the foundation for discussing the well-being of early childhood education (ECE) teachers in Indonesia. I explained that teacher well-being cannot be separated from the broader educational system and the cultural environment in which they work. When policies must address thousands of schools and communities spread across islands, the pressure on teachers often multiplies. Many teachers must balance not only professional expectations but also community roles and family responsibilities. By telling Indonesia’s story, I not only shared research data but also gave a human face to the challenges and aspirations of our teachers. In return, I received understanding, solidarity, and the reassurance that in EECERA, we are not alone.
In our discussions after the presentation, colleagues from different countries reflected on these challenges with empathy. We shared stories about how burnout has become a common issue among ECE teachers, regardless of country or system. Yet, the Indonesian context added another layer to this global issue. It made visible how systemic complexity can amplify stress for teachers. The recognition that burnout is not just an individual problem but a structural and cultural one sparked rich conversation with fellow scholars.
Together, we came to a shared understanding: improving teacher well-being is a collective responsibility. It is not something a single teacher, institution, or even a single country can tackle alone. Within EECERA, we all have a part to play in fostering empathy and care for the people who dedicate their lives to nurturing young children. Teacher well-being is not a luxury; it is a necessity if we want quality education for all.
What made EECERA truly unforgettable was the spirit of community. I found myself surrounded by scholars who were open in their hearts. These moments reminded me that conferences are as much about people as they are about papers. The friendships and networks formed here will stay with me, shaping not only my research trajectory but also my professional identity. This reminds me about empathy. The value we bring to this professional community. EECERA is a community where empathy meets scholarship. A community that truly cares about children, teachers, and the future of education. I am honored to have been a part of it. It was more than just a conference. It was a space to learn, to share, and to feel the warmth of a community.