Before the KREASI was introduced, learning activities at a kindergarten in Lotu, Nias Utara, mostly focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Children spent much of their time sitting, writing, or memorizing. Parents, too, saw kindergarten only as a place to prepare children for primary school.
“Learning felt monotonous. Children got bored quickly, and the classroom atmosphere was less lively,” recalled Ramah, a kindergarten teacher who has been teaching there since 2016.
Since her school joined the Program of KREASI, Ramah took part in training as a Master Trainer (MT) and facilitator of positive parenting, and began applying center-based learning. Children now learn through play—arranging patterns from natural materials, storytelling, and simple explorations.
“Now the children are braver, more active in asking questions, and happier to come to school,” she said.
The change was also noted by the school principal, Kristina, who observed that teachers have become more creative in using simple teaching aids, no longer relying only on the blackboard. Children who once seemed passive now appear enthusiastic at the start of every activity.
“In the past, many parents didn’t understand the importance of kindergarten. But after seeing the changes here, they are more eager to enroll their children,” Kristina explained.
One parent shared that she used to believe kindergarten was only about teaching children to read and write. After seeing her child learn in a fun way, she realized that early childhood education is not just about academics but also about building courage, independence, and curiosity.
“Now I see my child more confident and excited to learn,” said the parent.
The transformation also impacted student numbers. While some parents were once hesitant, this school year many were enthusiastic about registering their children, with more enrollments than before. Some parents even came from other villages after hearing positive stories about the school’s different learning approach.
For Ramah, the KREASI experience goes beyond her own school. She has shared her knowledge with another kindergarten she established in 2018, where she mentors six teachers to apply child-centered learning methods.
“We still need guidance to deepen the curriculum and explore deep learning, but the changes so far make us more confident about the direction of education in our schools,” she added.
The journey of this kindergarten in Nias Utara with the KREASI Program shows that when teachers are supported with knowledge and parents gain understanding, learning environments can be transformed: children become happier, parents more trusting, and schools more vibrant.
Writer: Calvin Telaumbanua; Editor: Andika Ramadhan
Photo: Calvin Telaumbanua/KREASI/Article 33 Indonesia/Save the Children