In the classroom of a primary school in Tobelo, the cheerful voices of children often fill the air when the door opens and a teacher walks in. They rush to greet her, some even saying, “Teacher, don’t leave again, please come back tomorrow.” Her name is teacher Juriani, known for her attentive and caring approach.
Juriani has dedicated herself to education since 2006. For more than twenty years, she has accompanied children through their primary school years, facing diverse personalities and family backgrounds. She admits that one of the biggest shifts in her journey as an educator began when she encountered KREASI.
“The first time I joined KREASI, I was so happy. It felt extraordinary, because as a teacher I felt I could develop myself, learn new things, and gain renewed enthusiasm,” she said with gratitude.
Change That Starts from Within
Juriani vividly remembers her first days in KREASI. The training sessions ran from morning to evening. Coincidentally, it was during Ramadan, and she attended while fasting. Yet her spirit never wavered.
“I was always eager to arrive on time, even though we studied from morning until late afternoon. Even while fasting, I stayed motivated because I realized, if you want change, it has to start from yourself,” she recalled.
KREASI gradually transformed her perspective. Previously, she often lacked confidence, especially when speaking in public. But after joining the activities, her self-confidence grew.
“I used to feel insecure, asking myself, why am I like this? But Alhamdulillah, KREASI made me believe that we can all succeed if we are willing to learn,” she said.
That newfound confidence spread into her classroom. Juriani became braver in trying new methods, more patient with her students, and more attentive to small details.
“I started teaching the children about capital letters, punctuation marks, and vowels and consonants. They used to be confused, but now they gradually understand. It may be simple, but to me, it feels extraordinary,” she explained.
Children Becoming Braver
According to Juriani, the impact of KREASI is also visible in the children’s confidence. Students who were once shy have started to become bolder. Some who never spoke before now step forward to lead prayers or express their opinions.
Juriani believes this change doesn’t happen by chance—children, she said, always imitate their teachers.
“If I don’t dare to try or don’t show discipline, how can the children change? I have to set the example first, and then they will follow,” she noted.
Embracing Those at Risk of Being Left Behind
Juriani’s journey is not without challenges. She often encounters students labeled as “naughty,” difficult to manage, or frequently absent. Instead of getting angry, she chooses to approach them with empathy.
“There were two children who often skipped school. I knew they were good kids, so I talked to them privately. It turned out one lived only with his father, the other with his grandmother. They said no one was there to wake them up in the morning,” she recalled softly.
Juriani decided not to judge children based only on their behavior at school. She sought to understand their family circumstances and encouraged other students to care for one another.
“If a friend is absent, we ask why. If possible, we remind each other,” she said.
The results were surprising. Children who once skipped frequently began to attend school with renewed spirit.
“One student once called me at eight in the morning, saying he had overslept. He asked, Teacher, can I still come to school? I replied, Of course, come right away, dear. He came joyfully, even though he was late,” she recounted with a heartfelt smile.
A Teacher Who Keeps Learning
As a teacher who also participated in the Guru Penggerak program, Juriani felt that KREASI further deepened her understanding of education. She grew more convinced that no child is truly “naughty” or “incapable.”
“Sometimes it is we, the teachers, who judge wrongly. We label a child as naughty or stupid, when in fact they can learn—they just need the right approach. It’s our duty to find that way,” she stressed.
For her, the greatest reward is not material but knowledge and experience.
“Through KREASI, we are taught not only teaching methods but also attitude—about educating with heart. It made me realize how important the teacher’s role is, something technology can never replace,” she said firmly.
Hopes for Education in Halmahera Utara
Juriani holds high hopes that more schools in Halmahera Utara will partner with the Program of KREASI. She believes the more teachers receive guidance, the greater the positive impact on children.
“I hope school principals care enough to encourage teachers to join. The success of education is a pride we all share. Teachers don’t always need to be rewarded with money; being remembered for the good we give is already fulfilling,” she affirmed.
For Juriani, teaching is a path of service. She believes every child deserves the same opportunity to succeed, no matter their background. And every teacher, she says, must continue learning to be a role model.
“As long as children are still waiting for us in the classroom, a teacher’s task will never end. I want KREASI to keep running, keep its spirit alive, so that education in Halmahera Utara continues to improve,” she concluded.
Writer: Samsudin AS Kuylo; Editor: Andika Ramadhan
Photo: Samsudin AS Kuylo/KREASI/Wahana Visi Indonesia/Save the Children