Before we read the three reflections written by three of seven teachers in Lingua Class Programs conducted by YPR together with Bumen Library, I would like to convey a short introductory in it.

Beginning with a need for learning foreign languages for kampong people, we set up this program along with a concept of alternative and critical teaching but using fun and ‘down to earth’ methods. We think that by learning about other languages, it means that we learn also about other cultures and other differences. Thus, by learning all the differences, it is expected that we will respect other cultures and accept the differences as a way to broaden our mindset and enrich our diversity. If we begin this to the youngsters as the seed of the future generation, we surely believe that there will be no more disputes and misunderstanding that lead to conflicts and wars just because we are different.

Therefore, we created three language classes, which are English Class, French Class, and Japanese Class. It was planned to run for two months as introducing the basic skills and the cultures to the kampong people, especially for the youth.

Then the learning materials were prepared, the setting was set up, and the teachers were getting busy. It was decided that the French Class scheduled on Wednesdays night, Japanese Class on Thursdays night, and English Class on Sundays afternoon.

As a team, sometimes we shared the same problems, but soon we could handle it by discussing it together so that there’s nothing to be worried. But sometimes we also experienced funny things during our process in Bumen. Like what happened in French Class when the students often slipped their tongues to pronounce some French words, or the issue on onigiri accident, since some of students suffered from diarrhea after eating onigiri (Japanese food made of rice and meat wrapped in sea-weed). However, I, as English Class coordinator, personally found it was so shocking in the beginning but amazing in the end when I got 30 students in my class! It was out of plan since we expected not more than 15 students for each class.

Lastly, I, on behalf of all of Language Class Program in Bumen, would say bunch of thanks to all our students of three classes, the youngsters of Bumen (Ayu, Dedy, Marwan, and Dian), the ‘crazy’ teachers (Ida, Irma, Monika, Sarah, Yona), and to the most loyal friends, Andy Blackmore a.k.a Suwandi, Rere and last but not least for Mbak Tri.

See you soon in other programs! J

-invani-

The team:

1. 1.      French Class   : Irma and Ida
2. 2.      Japanese Class            : Monika, Sarah, and Yona
3. 3.      English Class               : Invani and the facilitators (Andy Suwandi, Rere, Ayu, Dedy and Marwan)