Miss Alit, as she is popularly known, is a native of Bali.
She was born in 1974 and raised in Denpasar. Both her parents
are also Balinese. Miss Alit comes from a teaching family.
Her father, Wayan Kantor, is headmaster in a government school
in Denpasar. Very much influenced by her parents, it had always
been Miss Alit’s childhood dream to become a teacher.
What is your professional background?
I was principal of the kindergarten program at the Taman Mahatma
Gandhi Foundation since 2001. I was interviewed for three
schools, but I chose the Taman Rama School because of the
school’s teaching philosophy which is universal and
based on Gandhian philosophy as well as Indonesia’s
pancasila principles.
What makes the Taman Rama School different from other schools?
All schools are same and they are supposed to teach morals,
but I feel that in our school morals and ahimsa (pacifism)
are more emphasized. The best method for teaching morals is
by story telling. Our school is for students all religions.
The school does not influence children’s religion. We
are happy they pray and believe in God. Corporal punishment
is strictly forbidden. In kindergarten class, we particularly
try to develop a positive attitude in the children, as well
as teamwork and family spirit.
Is it a private or a public school?
It is a public school with a total number of 1,300 students
from kindergarten to senior high school. We provide an advanced
learning environment, with many activities and experiments
and great facilities to support it all.
What is a typical student profile?
The majority of children are Chinese. The second highest number
are native Balinese, the third Muslim children. About 25%
are foreigners from Korea, Taiwan, Britain, India and mixed
blood children.
Are there special abilities and skills that Indonesian children
possess?
Most Bali children are good in painting, art and dance. Having
said that, we do not like to compare Indonesian and foreign
students. Children all over the world are same. We are concerned
with all around development of a child’s mind, body
and soul.
Their abilities and skills are also developed by family and
country.
Why do you like teaching kindergarten?
Teaching has always been my childhood dream. I am inspired
by my father, uncle and aunt who were also teachers. I used
to peep in to the classroom to see them teaching and used
to play in my own room as a teacher. I called on my neighbors
and friends so I can to give them lessons. I love small children
and because of my dedication, I have been chosen as a member
of the school committee.
How are kindergarteners different from kids in other grades?
Kindergarten children for the most part are innocent, humble,
funny and kind. In the other classes, the children play a
lot of tricks.
What subjects do you like teaching the best?
I love to be among children, so I like to teach every subject.
All subjects can be interesting to teach as long as we are
really into it. Because I love teaching so much, I have even
started neighborhood courses at home for just the kids living
around my house. These courses are for students who are academically
weak and wish to improve their grades by studying outside
school hours. It includes all subjects in all classes.
Are there special disciplining problems and challenges teaching
kindergarten?
As children come from different families, religions and countries,
they bring their own ways. Some are very frank and vocal,
others are very shy and introverted. On the whole, we don’t
have any discipline problems. We also have a counselor who
works in the school.
What’s the best and worst things about your job?
The best thing in my job is that I am receiving experience
to become a better human being. The worst thing about the
job is sometimes parents think they are cleverer than teachers
and are over-protective of their children.
Do European parents have different expectations than Indonesian
parents?
Basically all parents, no matter where they are from, expect
a high educational standard and a sound teaching philosophy.
Most foreign parents choose to educate their children here
because they find our philosophy compatible with international
standards. For this reason, their children will have no problems
continuing their education abroad.
Where can people learn more about the Taman Rama School?
Click on the Taman Rama homepage: www.ytmgandhi.com
My email is alsusantitmg@yahoo.co.id
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please
contact : <pakbill2003@yahoo.com>
Copyright@2006 Al Hickey
You can read all past articles of Siapa at www.BaliAdvertiser.biz
