At SDK Kada in Kobalima, Malaka District, Indonesia something felt different that day. Principals, teachers, and school leaders gathered under one roof, supported by STiR and YBPU, not just to attend another meeting, but to truly talk about how they could make learning better for their students.
Kobalima has 18 primary schools, and most of the principals are new in their roles. Yet what they may lack in experience, they make up for in openness, to learn, to listen, and to lead differently.
From Conflict to Connection
Only a few weeks earlier, the village had been through tense times, a conflict between local martial arts clubs had disrupted daily life and left the community uneasy. But now, as people began to rebuild trust, this gathering of educators became something bigger. It was not just a training; it was a quiet moment of peace and connection.
Coaching, Not Commanding
The group explored simple ways to make coaching more meaningful; like Think–Pair–Share and fun, reflective games such as Coach Yes/Coach No. Together, they discovered that good coaching isn’t about how many times you meet, but what happens in those moments: honest questions, shared reflection, and genuine growth.
A Softer Corner
In the past, conversations between principals and teachers could sometimes feel formal or one-sided. But now, something is shifting. The new generation of principals is choosing to lead with empathy, turning those interactions into open, two-way conversations.
That day in Kobalima wasn’t just about techniques or tools. It was about rediscovering what leadership can feel like when it’s rooted in trust, curiosity, and partnership.
And in that sense, the corner truly has softened.
