We have been delighted to host a visit this week from Hui Fang of the UBS Optimus Foundation to visit our work in Indonesia, which is implemented in partnership with Yayasan Bakti Pendidikan Unggul (YBPU). We were pleased to be able to visit both of our project districts in Kota Kediri and Lumajang during this trip.
In Kota Kediri, Hui was welcomed to a reflection meeting by the School Supervisor, Bapak Suyono. The room buzzed with excitement as they discussed the progress made during the programme so far. What truly stood out was the innovative plan of school supervisors to publish an e-bulletin showcasing stories of change, narrated by teachers who had embraced the collaborative learning strategies imparted by the STiR programme.
Bapak Achmad Wartjiantono, the Head of Teachers and Education Personnel of the District Education Agency in Kota Kediri, expressed his heartfelt appreciation, saying, “Thanks to our school supervisors who have continuously motivated the teachers to implement collaborative learning strategies. I have personally talked to teachers who have been inspired and are now eager to improve their teaching practices so that the students in the classroom enjoy their learning.”
Hui and the STiR Team then extended their visit to Lumajang district. We had the privilege of observing a classroom in action taught by a 4th-grade teacher, Ibu Rini Sri Umami, at SDN Sumbersari 04 in Rowokangkung. We were accompanied by the school principal, Ibu Supatemi, and the Head of Teachers and Education Personnel of District Education Agency, Bapak Herwanto.
Bapak Herwanto said, “I really enjoyed being in the classroom and seeing the students learning in a fun way. I have seen how Ibu Rini creates a safe environment for the children to learn. When they answered the questions inaccurately, she patiently appreciated them and used it as a learning opportunity instead of judging them.” It was a testament to the power of a growth mindset, where mistakes were viewed as stepping stones to becoming better.
Hui said, “It’s inspiring to see the passion of the teacher and how much fun children had in the classroom. There is no doubt that both children and the teacher enjoyed learning together. I am very glad to see that the education agency took ownership, working together with school supervisors, school principals, and teachers to foster such a nurturing environment for learning.”