Green Class Community Service: Caring for Street Dogs

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

Finally, the time that we have been waiting for is here, CAMPING at SCHOOL! The students have been preparing themselves for camping at school for months. They learned about water purifying and earth rotation (day and night) in Science class, about scouts and campfires in Thematic class, about 3D shapes and tents in Math class, and procedure text (for recipes) in English class. Students arrive at 2 PM with all their stuff and they have to check in by writing what they bring for camping, after that they get their new uniform! After everyone arrived and changed into the new uniform, we sat down and had circle time to start our camping. In circle time, we talked about the camp rules and the schedule, all students did very well and some students asked a couple of questions to clarify some things. The first activity they have to do is to set up their own tent. Students were divided into groups of 3 and 4, they got one tent and a couple of futons. We were going to set all the tents outside, but the weather was not on our side, it was drizzling and not promising. So, in plan B, we decided to set up the tent inside the building. The girls did very well setting up their own tent, teachers helped them a little bit. The boys also did well, only one team felt demotivated during setting up their tent. With encouragement, they finally set up their tent successfully! After that, they prepared their dinner. Students were divided into 3 different groups, which were the main course, drinks, and snacks. They happily worked together to make their own dinner! Due to the bad weather, we had to come up with a plan B, because a campfire was not going to happen. Before dinner, they had a treasure hunt, which was really interesting and entertaining. Kids were working in groups with the help of one teacher. The winner got a present from the treasure chest! We also needed to fill the gap in the schedule, where we were supposed to do a campfire, so we decided to watch some movies. Lastly, we said farewell to our Korean friends and we gave out the badges as well. Some kids didn't manage to get all four badges and were quite understanding after hearing the explanation. We see some students overcome some challenges, some make good friends, some get demotivated and get back up, and some work together happily. Overall, it was a great experience for students and teachers, and for parents as well. Until next time! Documentation: On the camping day, the children received their new school uniforms and took photos together Children still need help from their teacher to build their tent Primary girls's tent They were hungry after build a tent Treasure Hunt In the evening, they enjoyed the snacks they brought from home They enjoyed snack after finish building tent Girl team prepared onigiri for their dinner Took turn for delicious onigiri A brief but memorable campfire We decided to build the tent inside the room due to rain all day long Our morning breakfast prepared by teachers Boys group prepared for dinner Preparing for dinner

The other day we successfully completed our first attempt to hold an Output Day. Output Day, as the name suggests, is a day to output what students have been inputting. We have been preparing our presentations and bulletin boards for that day. The primary class students with their teacher prepare 3 booths. They are assigned to each booth with their teacher. There was a booth for science and thematic, English with art, and mathematics. The children in each booth are tasked with presenting their projects and things they have learned so far at Taruwara. The teachers are just as nervous as their students, some of them feeling very tense before the event starts. However, they manage to overcome their tension and nervousness to welcome all the parents and kindergarten children. Some of the students who were not very good at public speaking gained her confidence by seeing her teachers, mothers, and younger students who were trying their best. Her teammates were also motivated by her efforts.  After the three-hour event, the children and teachers were exhausted, but despite the short preparation period and the fact that it was their first experience, they were able to pull it off, which was a very valuable experience for all of us. During the reflection time, we were able to hear comments such as, "We can do this better next time! I want to do something like this!” and other positive things. We wondered if this was also the result of the daily circle time and reflection session. On that day, the kindergarten children also had an opportunity to do activities together with their parents, and everyone seemed very happy to see the children's responses and reactions, which they do not get to see every day. We were also very anxious about the parents' opinions after coming to observe the elementary school presentation, but we were very grateful for their warm and supportive attitude toward the children throughout the event, even if some of them could not speak well. Good job kids!! We are so proud of you all. Documentation: Our math class team ready for presentation about how to build a tent Our science class team ready for the presentation Warmest welcome from primary students to attending parents Primary school children showcase their cooking skills in front of the attending parents. They prepare the same menu, rice balls, just like they did during the previous project camp. During the experiments, the kindergarten children are particularly fascinated and interested in the activity Demonstration on setting up a tent from primary children with parents from kindergarten Parents and their kids Building a tent with math team Showcase their life skill that they got from their previous project Presentation from science team to mix-class parents and children The parents and kindergarten children are getting ready to make lemonade according to the instructions from the English class team. We are extremely grateful that the attending parents are very supportive of our elementary school children.