Loving Learning at the ‘School of Love’

The development of human resources in Borobudur district should not be forgotten amidst the area’s massive development as a super priority tourist destination.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Children take part in English training at I-CARE's Love School in Karangrejo Village, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Wednesday (12/10/2022). Students in the area can learn various things after school for free.

Clouds hung over the Borobudur area in Magelang regency, Central Java, on Sunday morning (9/10/2022). Cool winds blew and the ground was wet after rain. That morning was perfect for relaxing at home, sipping a hot drink.

Nevertheless, dozens of children gathered at Sekolah Kasih-I CARE (I CARE School of Love) in Karangrejo village, Borobudur district, where they had been learning English since 9 a.m.

They were practicing writing sentences in English and then discussing them with their classmates. Afterwards, several children were asked to read out the sentences they had composed.

Among them was Citra (11), who was busy copying sentences from her friend's textbook. “I came late, so I have to copy my friend’s,” she said hastily. Even though she looked like she was a little cold, Citra was eager to learn. After she finished writing, she went to the front of the class to read out the sentences.

I CARE school is a nonformal educational institution established in 2019. "I CARE" in the name of the school is an acronym derived from integrity, collaboration, accuracy, responsibility, and excellence.

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Free classes are held every day at I CARE school. The school’s main subject is English, and the children usually come to English lessons starting at 1 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, after they have come home from their formal schools.

On Sundays, the activities are more varied. Besides English, I CARE school offers activities in music, singing, cooking, football, dance, painting, batik-making, and other subjects. All the activities are provided with supporting facilities and led by seven teachers who are competent in their fields.

The important thing is that they learn to write and read properly.

Sevila (28), a teacher at I CARE school, said the English classes the school taught was not demanding, with each class introducing the children to one new English word. The children would then be asked to use the word in several different sentences and then read them out loud.

"The important thing is that they learn to write and read properly," she said.

English learning was also combined with other activities, Sevila added. For example, the children were introduced to the names of various spices in English during the cooking activity.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Children learn to make batik at I-CARE's Love School in Karangrejo Village, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Wednesday (12/10/2022).

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I CARE School of Love was founded by Larasati (49), who goes by the nickname Atik. Born and raised in Borobudur, she manages a guest house and travel agency. Atik founded I CARE school later, because she also had a keen interest in education.

Atik said around 50 children and youths currently attended I CARE school. Ranging in age from 2 to 20, they came from a number of villages in Borobudur district. But the school’s learning activities were open to anyone.

"Sometimes, the parents or grandparents who bring them also join the English class," she said.

Atik explained that learning at I CARE was founded on love and freedom. Once they finished their English lessons, the children were free to choose the activities they liked. The school held no exams or tests of any kind.

In addition to gaining knowledge and skills, the children at I CARE school were also encouraged to develop their character and behavior. According to Atik, character was built through simple means, such as by reminding the children to say “thank you” whenever they receive help from a classmate or teacher. They were also encouraged to give way, such as when someone else was using the field where they usually played football.

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To ensure the continuity of I CARE school, Atik sets aside a portion of the income she makes from her guest house and travel agency businesses. In addition, she receives financial support from her friends.

Prior to establishing I CARE school, Atik held free learning activities in Ngadiharjo village and Wanurejo village in Borobudur. The learning activities were still running in the two villages, managed by Atik’s former students.

She hopes that, through the learning activities provided in a number of locations, children in Borobudur will become more knowledgeable and skilled so they can succeed in the future.

"Children have to learn many things so they can have a better future," she said.

Atik’s free learning activities have gained the appreciation of a number of parties, including the people of Borobudur. Sari (38), who lives in Karanganyar village, said she was very happy that her two children could study at I CARE school.

“English is important for the future. Rather than playing with their gadgets all the time, it's better for the children to study here. Moreover, the classes are free,” said Sari.

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.