Green Class Community Service: Caring for Street Dogs

Every school break at Taruwara is an opportunity for children to learn, play, and grow in ways that go beyond the classroom. Through our Holiday Camp program, we design exciting activities that turn each holiday into a meaningful adventure. Whether it’s a short one-week program or a longer three-week camp during the semester break, children are immersed in engaging experiences that combine fun with valuable learning outcomes. Different Themes, New Adventures Every Break One of the things that makes Taruwara’s Holiday Camp special is that every camp has a different theme. This means children always have something new to look forward to. From creative projects to outdoor explorations, each theme sparks curiosity and imagination. The variety ensures that children not only enjoy themselves but also develop new skills and perspectives every time they join. Engaging Activities for Young Explorers Our camps are carefully designed to balance fun and education. Children get to enjoy: Cooking sessions that build independence and practical life skills. Art and craft projects that nurture creativity and self-expression. Science experiments that spark curiosity and critical thinking. Fun educational games that promote teamwork, problem-solving, and joy in learning, etc. Every activity is hands-on and interactive, ensuring that children stay engaged while discovering their strengths and interests. Taking Holiday Camp to the Next Level with Projects This past semester, we introduced something new: Project Camp. This innovation brought our holiday program to a whole new level. Instead of only doing activities within the school, we extended the learning experience into the wider community and environment. A meaningful beach clean-up activity, where children learned the importance of caring for nature while making a real difference. A memorable campfire at school, where students bonded, shared stories, and created lasting memories. Through these projects, children experienced the joy of learning by doing — gaining not only knowledge but also a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and connection to their surroundings. Why Holiday Camp Matters for Your Child Holiday Camp is more than just a way to fill school breaks — it is an extension of Taruwara’s philosophy of learning through experience. By joining our program, children benefit in many ways: Confidence building: Trying new activities and overcoming small challenges. Social growth: Making new friends, collaborating, and learning to communicate. Creativity and curiosity: Exploring new interests in science, art, and nature. Life skills: Practical lessons such as cooking, teamwork, and environmental care. Looking Ahead: The Next Holiday Camp As the upcoming term break approaches, we are excited to open registration for another round of Taruwara Holiday Camp. Each program is thoughtfully planned to ensure children spend their holidays in the most enriching way possible. Whether your child enjoys hands-on projects, outdoor adventures, or creative expression, there will be something special waiting for them at camp. Join the Adventure! ✨ Ready to make your child’s holiday meaningful and unforgettable? Spaces for Holiday Camp are limited, and spots fill quickly. Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a holiday filled with fun, learning, and memories that last a lifetime. 👉 Contact us today to learn more and secure your child’s place at Taruwara Holiday Camp.

In the beginning, the decision to introduce batik making was inspired by the students' familiarity with batik as one of Indonesia's iconic art forms. Far from showing any resistance, the students eagerly contributed ideas, suggesting patterns could be applied to various media such as cups, sculptures, and more. Ultimately, the decision was made to work with fabric, aiming to immerse the students in the rich culture of batik within the fashion industry. Throughout the preparation process, we encountered numerous challenges. One significant hurdle was the realization that, while our students were familiar with batik as a final product, they had never been exposed to the batik-making process itself, nor were they aware of its historical significance and utility. Another obstacle was the frequent misselection of materials, from choosing the right type of fabric to finding the ideal wax that was absorbent and melted efficiently. By the seventh week, we invited an expert from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts in Denpasar, who illuminated our path by clarifying the suitable types of fabric and wax, and even suggested the use of electric canting. This advice proved invaluable for our students' learning experience in the lead-up to the grand Output Day. The nine-week preparation process was not just about creating batik; it was an extensive learning journey. Pak Nanda, the teacher guiding the Fabulous Batik group, along with Pak Samuel, provided an educational environment that encouraged learning from mistakes. This approach allowed students to discover the correct steps to prevent future errors. Pak Nanda emphasized that these lessons were universal, extending beyond the classroom. The ultimate motivator for the students was the possibility of selling their beautiful batik creations. The process, collaborative brainstorming, and the outcomes served as critical learning tools for the students in preparation for Output Day. Another key aspect was learning how to communicate and teach the batik-making process to parents and visitors at the Fabulous Batik Group booth. Furthermore, the experience of presenting in front of their peers played a significant role in their learning journey. What filled us with pride was watching the students improvise their speeches, setting aside the cue cards provided to them. Over weeks of preparation, these points became habitual, showcasing the students' growing confidence and autonomy. In the end, Pak Nanda and Pak Samuel hope to further tailor the program to each student's passion, making it easier for them to explain and present their work and to attract external visitors, potentially leading to participation in larger exhibitions. This journey with batik has not just been about learning a traditional craft; it has been a transformative experience for our students, teaching them about culture, creativity, and the power of perseverance. The Fabulous Batik project at Taruwara Primary has shown us all how art can inspire, educate, and unite. Everyone is busy preparing their booth Get a short briefing from the teachers before the gate open Batik Squad attract the guests to visit their booth Alana and Adzka impressed the crowd by their explanation Stand by and be ready for the exhibition time Our first two guests are very excited This is how we teach our guests how to use canting for making batik sketch Hot wax in a pan with warning sign. We don't want our guests to get hurt like we had in trainings

"Life Skills Classes at Taruwara Primary are not about chores—they are about growth. They prepare children to face real-life situations with resilience, creativity, and confidence." At Taruwara Primary, we believe education should prepare children not only for academic success but also for everyday life. That’s why we introduced Life Skills Classes for our upper primary students—a special program where children learn practical, hands-on lessons that will help them grow into responsible, independent, and confident individuals. Many parents may remember the first time they washed a car, ironed their clothes, or managed their own shopping. These seemingly simple experiences actually stay with us, teaching discipline, care, and responsibility. Through Life Skills, we want our students to have the same opportunities, guided carefully in a supportive and fun learning environment. Ironing Clothes with Confidence Ironing is often considered an adult responsibility, but our students are excited to give it a try. With guidance from teachers, they learn how to handle the iron safely, smooth out wrinkles, and take their time to do the job well. The sense of satisfaction on their faces when they see neatly pressed clothes is priceless. Beyond the technical skill, ironing teaches patience, precision, and the importance of presentation. Washing Vehicles with Care Another day, the students head outside to wash vehicles. Buckets, sponges, and soap turn into tools of teamwork. Children quickly learn that washing a vehicle is more than just splashing water—it requires attention to detail and patience. This activity also sparks conversations about taking care of belongings and the effort that goes into maintaining things we use every day. It’s a fun, physical task that leaves students smiling at their shiny finished work. Shopping at the Bookstore Life Skills aren’t limited to chores at home or school. Our students also experience the real-world practice of shopping, such as visiting a bookstore with a budget in hand. For many, this is the first time they’ve had to make choices on what to buy while considering both needs and wants. They learn how to interact politely with shopkeepers, calculate costs, and make responsible decisions. The joy of leaving the store with a book they’ve chosen themselves is a bonus that strengthens both confidence and independence. Learning to Clean the Sink and Kitchen One of the first lessons takes place in the kitchen, where students practice cleaning the sink and keeping the area tidy. At first, some students giggle as they put on gloves and get ready to scrub, but soon they realize it’s not just about cleaning. It’s about taking pride in maintaining a space where everyone can work and feel comfortable. By learning this, children develop habits of hygiene, orderliness, and respect for shared environments. The Bigger Picture: Why Life Skills Matter Through these experiences, we want our students to realize that life is full of small responsibilities that matter. Cleaning, washing, ironing, and shopping might look simple, but they are stepping stones toward independence. More importantly, these activities teach values: caring for shared spaces, respecting belongings, managing money wisely, and feeling proud of a job well done. Life Skills Classes at Taruwara Primary are not about chores—they are about growth. They prepare children to face real-life situations with resilience, creativity, and confidence. Our hope is that, through these lessons, students not only gain practical knowledge but also carry with them the deeper understanding that independence and responsibility are keys to shaping a meaningful life. A Shared Journey with Parents We believe these lessons become even more powerful when reinforced at home. Parents can encourage their children to practice simple daily tasks, celebrate their efforts, and give them opportunities to take on small responsibilities. Together, school and family can nurture children who are not only academically capable, but also independent, caring, and ready for the future.