By I Komang Kurniawan | EBPP Team Leader
As we come to the end of the 1st quarter of 2025 at the peak of the rainy season, with the challenges and benefits it brings, our Manikaji students have enjoyed a very busy hands-on period, with amazing Art Therapy classes, nicely crafted bamboo products and harvesting nutritious organic veggies!
In December 2024, to support children's emotional development through art therapy, we started a collaboration with the ‘Seeds for a Child’ NGO and their "AKSARA" program (Actualization of Art Therapy for Village Children). They visited twice weekly for 7 weeks with amazing volunteer local and international artists, specifically training our elementary school students from grades 2-5 in various creative activities, such as making pencil holders from recycled bottles, creating artwork using special techniques, making expressive Art Journals, and crafting dolls and masks that reflect their emotions. Additionally, students explored their emotions through emotion maps, emotion murals, and drawings as a means of self-expression. This program was not only enjoyable but also had a positive impact on all the children's emotional development and creativity.
At the beginning of January, several Manikaji students received an invitation from The Shanti Foundation to perform at their annual event. They presented the drama "Rama Sinta" accompanied by traditional gamelan music performed by our students, delivering a captivating performance to the audience.
In their weekly bamboo craft skills classes, students continued creating bamboo works of art, including wall clocks and simple furniture, following their previous projects of balanced dragonflies and pencil holders. Meanwhile, in their painting activities, students created Christmas greeting cards as a token of gratitude for the donors who have supported them in 2024.
In the youth empowerment extracurricular classes, students delved into sex education, participated in a leadership training camp, learned how to make plates from lontar leaves, and visited the Lontar Museum. In sports competitions, the Manikaji team won second place in futsal and fourth place in volleyball in a gender equality tournament.
In the agricultural program, students planted and harvested various vegetables, including carrots, pakcoy, eggplants, tomatoes, and green mustard during the rainy season. They also continued producing organic compost using local materials. Sadly, torrential rains and strong winds damaged some crops, but despite this, they remained resilient and learned that farming is not just about planting and waiting for results but also about-facing natural challenges with patience and perseverance.
At the end of February, eight Manikaji elementary students participated in the district Student Sports competition, competing in running, long jump, shot put, and chess. A proud achievement was earned by one student who secured second place in the chess competition.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all donors who have supported the programs in Manikaji. Your support enables children to continue learning and growing for a brighter future.
By David Booth | EBPP Founder
By I Nyoman Kartya | EBPP Manikaji Headmaster
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