Last June, our community development team in Muara Wahau, Kutai Timur Regency, East Kalimantan, successfully organised a fun event called "Kumpul Ceria Rumah Belajar". This event was attended by nearly all the children of various ages from Dea Beq village, Diaq Lay village, and Bea Nehas village.

The lively event featured several activities, starting from educational videos to team-building games. The first item on the agenda was watching videos that provided information about orangutans, covering their rehabilitation process from forest school to release into the wild. The purpose of showing these videos was to give the children additional knowledge about orangutans and the importance of protecting this endemic species.

Read also: ‘RUMAH BELAJAR’ ACTIVITIES IN DEA BEQ VILLAGE

After watching the videos, the children were divided into three groups and given a word puzzle challenge, with the answers related to the video content. Each group was then asked to answer three questions by arranging and pasting the words they had assembled. After completing the first game, the children participated in various group activities, such as water filter experiments, creating volcano prototypes, making collage paintings from dried leaves, playing a shipwreck balancing game, transferring balls, and even a treasure hunt. All these group games aimed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork among the children.

One of the unique activities was the water filter experiment. Through this experiment, the children learnt that even murky water can be filtered and turned into clear water using a filtration process. Another exciting game was the shipwreck balancing game. The rule was that all team members had to stand on a sack, representing a ship. The game had several rounds, with the sack getting smaller in each round, yet all members had to stay on the "ship" until the final round. This game taught the children teamwork and quick, critical thinking to solve problems. The children strategised by carrying their teammates to maintain balance. Additionally, this game helped the children bond with one another.

Read also: PEAKING INTO THE LAMIN TRADITIONAL HOUSE

The volcano prototype experiment was another engaging activity. This game demonstrated the chemical reaction that occurs when an acid and a base mix. The children mixed baking soda, detergent, and food colouring in a bottle, then added vinegar to the volcano model, causing it to foam and simulate an eruption. Although Borneo does not have volcanoes, this activity was designed to broaden the children's knowledge.

The final activity was a treasure hunt. The children were given an initial clue, leading them to the next one. They had to solve three clues, ultimately leading them to a person holding a voucher that could be exchanged for a prize. The clues were scattered around the vicinity, including at the gate, the company nameboard, the garage, and the handwashing station. This game enhanced their teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Read also: LAQ PESYAI: A UNIQUE TRADITION OF THE WEHEA DAYAK TRIBE

The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to all the children. Each child received a small gift containing school supplies, which they selected by drawing a small ball at random. The day ended with a group photo, capturing the joyful memories of the day.

Text by: Community Development Team at Muara Wahau, East Kalimantan