By Desy
I’m Desy, a madrasa teacher from Pesisir Barat District, Lampung Province. Our school joined the KREASI program in its first year. I started as a participant, and not long after, I was given an incredible opportunity: to become a master trainer.
The KREASI Program is a strategic initiative of the Government of Indonesia, supported by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) through the Multiplier Grant. It focuses on early childhood and primary education, aiming to improve foundational skills and strengthen child protection efforts. In Pesisir Barat, KREASI is implemented by Save the Children Indonesia in collaboration with the local partner Yayasan Guru Belajar (YGB).
Over the past two months, I’ve taken part in a series of trainings focused on helping teachers grow. I came in ready to improve the way I teach, but the biggest change happened within me.
I still remember one moment clearly. The children were learning numbers through songs and movement, and their faces lit up with joy and understanding. That’s when I realized that learning should feel joyful, connected to their world, and full of meaning. That moment changed how I see teaching.
Now, as a master trainer, I still teach in the classroom, but I also get to support other teachers. I share what I’ve learned about active learning, formative assessment, and how to adapt lessons to meet different students’ needs. Seeing other teachers begin to embrace new approaches is just as rewarding as seeing my students thrive.
If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that change can start with just one teacher who’s willing to try something new.
I hope these kinds of training continue to reach more educators, especially those in remote or underserved areas. And I hope they’re supported by everyone who believes in better education because teaching isn’t just about delivering content. It’s about sparking curiosity and building confidence that grows stronger with every lesson.
Author: Rikson Simanjuntak (KREASI District Representative for Pesisir Barat)
Editor & Translator: Laras Sabila Putri (KREASI Communication and Media Manager)