Amid the many challenges facing education in remote areas, there are still teachers who continue to innovate so that children can learn in meaningful ways. One of them is Mitranikasih, an educator from Nias Selatan who believes that big change can begin with small steps in one’s immediate environment. Through various experiences and a strong spirit of sharing, she strives to create a learning space that not only imparts knowledge, but also builds children’s character and their sense of care for others and for the environment.
For Mitranikasih, education is not only about teaching in the classroom; it is about nurturing a love of learning, a sense of care, and creativity to build a better future. As an educator and environmental activist, she believes that every child has extraordinary potential if they are given space to grow in a fun and inclusive way.
With an academic background in Physics and long experience in both education and environmental work, Mitranikasih founded We Care Learning House, an alternative learning space that she designed as a place for children in Nias Selatan to learn, play, and innovate.
“Through We Care, I want children to be able to learn joyfully and feel free to express their opinions. They are not only invited to recognize letters or numbers, but also to think creatively and care about their surroundings,” said Mitranikasih.
The journey of We Care has been enriched by her involvement in various KREASI activities. On several occasions, she has served both as a resource person and as an active learner. Each session she joined opened up new perspectives on how to create learning that is collaborative, contextual, and genuinely child-centered.
From these trainings, many ideas emerged that she immediately applied in We Care’s activities. She developed simple project-based learning methods, created teaching aids from recycled materials, taught counting using stacked sticks, and introduced science through small experiments in the yard.
Mitranikasih also integrates environmental issues into every learning activity. She encourages children to understand the importance of keeping their surroundings clean, sorting waste, and using energy wisely. All of this is done in ways that are light, enjoyable, and closely connected to daily life.
“Children learn literacy and numeracy, but they also learn about responsibility and empathy. That’s what makes We Care different,” she said.
We Care Learning House has now grown in two areas, Gomo and Lahusa, involving teachers, parents, and the surrounding community. Support from KREASI has encouraged Mitranikasih to keep innovating, offering learning that focuses not only on outcomes, but also on process and children’s happiness.
For her, small changes carried out sincerely can bring about significant impact.
“From Nias Selatan, I want to show that learning can start from anywhere. With collaboration, spirit, and compassion, we can build a better future for children,” she said with confidence.
Today, We Care is no longer just a learning house, but also a symbol of hope—a place where children are encouraged to think, create, and care.
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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 is being implemented by Save the Children with Ikatan Guru Indonesia and support by the Government of Nias Selatan. KREASI aims to improve the quality of education in Indonesia by strengthening teaching, learning, and student development.
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Writer: Afnidar Dakhi | Editor: Andika Ramadhan | Photo: Afnidar Dakhi/KREASI/Ikatan Guru Indonesia/Save the Children