Banda Education Festival 2018 Unites Steps for Education in Maluku’s Outermost Islands (PART 2)
One portrait of education in this region is seen at Sjahrir Island Elementary School. That afternoon, two teachers were teaching fourteen students amidst a nutmeg orchard. Ms. Santi taught first- to third-grade students, while Ms. Mira handled fourth- to sixth-grade students. In between lessons, we discussed developing reading interests and applicable teaching methods within limited resources.
The school’s modest building does not limit achievement. Children at this school have won second place in quiz competitions and won a running competition throughout Banda District. The blended learning system ensures that all students are accustomed to hearing and absorbing material across grade levels. Fourth-grade students learn fifth- and sixth-grade material, and vice versa. From the teachers’ perseverance and willingness, we learned that limitations are never an excuse to give up.
The forty-five-minute journey by fishing boat continued to Hatta Island. At the Alhillaal Elementary School, various sharing classes were held again. Elsye Pelupessy and Suat Ratriyan shared Fun English through an environmentally-themed Snake and Ladder game and basic digital literacy for fourth- to sixth-grade students. Meanwhile, Isye Huliselan and Ega Patt were learning with first- through third-grade students about Clean Living Behavior and reducing plastic waste.
The school has only five teachers who support each other in serving the students. The principal and our guardian, Mr. Roesdi, was the driving force behind the coordination and preparation of activities. From the children and teachers on Hatta Island, we learned again that nothing is impossible when everyone helps each other.
The next day on Hatta Island was filled with the creation of creative learning activity corners. There was a Bee Sound Science Corner, a Food Pyramid, an Environmental Snakes and Ladders Corner, a Water Rocket Corner, and a Literacy Corner. Laughter, discussion, and curiosity filled the afternoon. The children were free to try, fail, discuss, and try again. The learning process occurs not only through books and pens, but through meaningful experiences.
The highlight of the Hatta Island experience came with the Introduction to Underwater World Class. Using snorkels, fins, and life jackets, the children experienced for the first time the beauty of the ocean, which is usually enjoyed by tourists. Assisted by local youth and teachers, the children observed fish, lobsters, shellfish, and various other marine life. Throughout the journey home, stories about what they saw flowed endlessly.
When children know and love nature, they develop a desire to protect it. Nature truly becomes a living learning space. The Banda Education Festival is not just a series of activities, but a long process of building hope, trust, and new families on the small islands of Maluku.
Greetings, Smart Maluku.
