Play together, Pati, 5 May 2023, Photo : Wiwit
I was surprised to see the development of the Joglo preschool children, especially the children with special needs, after participating in only three Power of Goodness events every Friday for 1.5 hours.
At first, I thought it would be challenging to do Power of Goodness with preschool children. But I gave it a try, including several children with special needs. We practiced pausing and understanding one point in the community agreements at each meeting. I explained to the other children why Altaf needed to hold toys in the circle when others didn’t need to do so. I helped Altaf ask for their permission. This was good because Altaf wanted to sit in the circle and control himself.
When I started reading stories, the children were able to pay attention because I printed the story on the back of large printed illustrations, so the children could look at the illustrations as I read. After reading the story The New Girl in School, we discussed what was interesting about this story. Zio said, “inviting friends to eat.” Aldric said, “playing together.” Ray said, “helping friends clean up.” After that we played together with legos, straws, and colored blocks. We practiced the agreements.
I feel lucky to have been able to accompany children for the past two years in the inclusive Joglo Preschool in Pati, Central Java, Indonesia. My degree in psychology and masters in music has allowed me to get close to the children, often through singing. It feels good when I can take part in a child’s development and see the changes in them and their families.
I’m always looking for good ways to support each child. I am developing a mentoring program for children with special needs and their families, including individual educational planning with the Joglo teachers, family counseling and consultation at the school, and parent education for accompanying children at home. I have seen the power of developing a culture of peace and justice through AVP and the Power of Goodness. Children and families learn to think together about how to assist each person, especially children with varied abilities and needs. To do this well in Indonesia, however, I will need to continue my education. There’s so much to learn!