April began with the 2019 National WORDS Competition in Jakarta. ETA Alexandra Gwynn accompanied her student, Denik Agustin, who shared a story about the pros and cons of technology on the next generation. A performance worth celebrating!

At the beginning of April, the English Club problem-solved how to combat hoaxes. They sent a reliable list of news sources to WhatsApp groups and posted information around school. On April 26, the club wrapped with a water purification project focused on English and environmentalism. Teachers filtered river run-off with rocks, black rice, charcoal, coconut fiber, soil, sand, and paper towels. Teachers plan to maintain English acquisition through camping trips, English Day, English manual books, and English vocabulary in various subjects.

Later in the month, SMKN 9 students graduated on April 20! The celebration showcased student performances and featured the sapek from West Borneo. ETA Alexandra joined students on the runway sporting student-made batik. The ceremony also featured the Unan-Unan Ceremony video created by Bu Itha, Pak Arfan, Pak Febri, and Anamasi students and ETA Alexandra.

On April 27, ETA Alexandra joined American Corner’s Director, Mr. Habib, in Batu to learn about the keris (dagger), an Indonesian icon recognized by UNESCO. After, ETA Alexandra visited the Buddhist temple Padepokan Dhammadipa Arama. She learned Metta chants from an 88-year-old monk and met male and female students studying at the hermitage.

And finally, on April 30, students celebrated Kartini day with speeches, songs, and facts about Kartini. Students performed Wayang Topeng Malang (mask dance), a fashion show, and prepared tumpeng nasi kuning (cone-shaped yellow rice surrounded by side dishes).

Alexandra Gwynn is currently teaching at SMKN 9 Malang, East Java