KREASI Nias Utara held a Training of Trainers (ToT) on “Positive Discipline in Daily Teaching and Child Protection Policy” from 18–20 June 2025 in Lotu, Nias Utara Regency, Sumatera Utara Province. The three-day training was attended by 11 participants from school-level Violence Prevention and Handling Teams (TPPK) from three subdistricts—Lotu, Lahewa, and Afulu—who had previously been involved in case management training from various educational institutions, as well as representatives from the Education Office and the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Nias Utara.
This training aimed to enhance teachers’ and TPPK members’ understanding of positive discipline as an approach to supportive and child-friendly classroom management. It also aimed to strengthen the implementation of child protection policies in schools through practical and applicable training activities.
Training materials were delivered by national speakers: Technical Education Adviser of Save the Children and Rumah Citta Yogyakarta, Lusi Margiyani, and Director of ECCD RC Yogyakarta, Nindyah Rengganis. `The topics covered included: Introduction to Positive Discipline, Setting Long-Term Goals, Understanding Structure and Warmth, Understanding Child Development Stages, Children with Disabilities, Problem Solving, and Practice.
“The material was very interesting, especially on positive discipline for children and teachers. We were encouraged to give warmth, protection, and motivation so that children can be more positively disciplined,” said Faozisokhi, an elementary school teacher from Afulu who joined the training.
The sessions were interactive and practical. Through discussions and case studies, participants were encouraged to deeply understand key concepts like empathy and sympathy. The approach used by the facilitators helped participants connect the material to their daily teaching context.
Staff member of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Nias Utara Hafzi Arbin Gulo, shared his thoughts on the emotional regulation material.
“One thing that stood out was the brain illustration using a clenched fist. When we’re emotional, it’s like the brain opens up, and emotions take over. Only we ourselves can control it,” he said.
“We have to understand and give warmth to our students so they can regulate their emotions. Violence must be avoided. This material is very relevant—not only for schools but also for families,” said Rumiati, a PAUD (early childhood education) teacher from Afulu.
The event concluded with the development of follow-up plans, including dissemination by facilitators to teachers in their respective areas and ongoing technical support in the field.
“I’ll start with myself. Warmth must come from within—toward children, family, and colleagues,” added Hafzi.
Meanwhile, Faozisokhi expressed hope that the training would continue:
“Don’t stop with just us—this should be expanded, especially in Nias Utara, so that all teachers can learn about positive discipline.”
This training is expected to be a first step in building a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that fosters children’s social-emotional development in Nias Utara.
Text: Adinda Syafira, Calvin S. Telaumbanua (Writers); Andika Ramadhan (Editor)
Photos: Calvin S. Telaumbanua/KREASI/Article 33 Indonesia/Save the Children