In a warm, spirited classroom, an extra learning session has become a growth space for students who were previously left behind in literacy. Behind this initiative is Catch Up Club facilitator, Sri Nirwani, who brings creative and enjoyable learning methods through the Catch Up Club in one of the primary schools in Ketapang.
Hunting for Sentences from Letter Sheets
Students are divided into two groups and given sheets containing random letters. The challenge: arrange as many sentences as possible from those letters. Each sentence they find must be immediately written on the board by a group member who runs from their table. This activity strengthens literacy, teamwork, and a healthy sense of competition at the same time.
Forming Letters with Plasticine
Using colourful plasticine, children form the letters that make up their own names. This activity reinforces letter recognition and builds emotional attachment to the learning process, while also developing fine motor skills.
“In the first month, there were some children who did not recognise letters—they only knew a few. Alhamdulillah, after entering the second month, those children can now recognise all the letters. Those who were not yet fluent in reading are now fluent. They can even create their own sentences with confidence and fluency,” said Catch Up Club facilitator, Sri Nirwani, who has been running the Catch Up Club for two months.
Catch Up Club is not only about recognising letters, but also about building confidence and sustainable literacy skills.
Literacy that Grows from Creativity
Catch Up Club is more than just an extra class. It is a space for recovery, a spark of motivation, and proof that with the right approach, children can catch up. The creativity of Catch Up Club facilitator, Sri Nirwani, shows that literacy can grow through methods that touch the heart and stimulate curiosity.
KREASI Ketapang continues to encourage innovations like this, turning every classroom into a place where children’s hopes and potential can grow.
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The Program of KREASI or Kolaborasi untuk Edukasi Anak Indonesia (Collaboration for the Education of Indonesian Children) is funded by the Global Partnership for Education, developed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. KREASI in Ketapang is being implemented by Save the Children and local implementing partner Majelis Dikdasmen dan PNF PP Muhammadiyah, support by the Government of Ketapang with aims to improve the quality of education in Indonesia by strengthening teaching, learning, and student development.
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Writer: Afriyandi Nur Huda | Editor: Andika Ramadhan | Photo: Afriyandi Nur Huda/KREASI/Majelis Dikdasmen dan PNF PP Muhammadiyah/Save the Children