Indonesia
Peace Poster Competition at Surabaya Grammar School
Surabaya Grammar School (SGS) opened November 2014 with Peace Poster Competition. Having coordination with Lions Club Surabaya Shining (LCSS), the event centered at SGS at Wisata Bukit Mas in Wiyung, Surabaya on Sunday, November 2nd 2014. The event was divided into two, coloring for students of grade 1-3 and drawing for students of grade 4-6. No less than 200 Superkids took part in the competition with theme “Peace, Love and Understanding”. They came from SGS and other schools as well. “This event is not limited for SGS students only. It’s open for public, any school is welcome,” said the Principal of SGS Primary Feriana Susanti SPd.
The even opened at 01.00 PM. Every coloring participant was given one hour to finish the work. Mean while, those who registered for drawing got two hours, one hour longer than the other group. With registration fee of Rp 50,000, everyone got a cool t-shirt, a box of toast and a drawing paper. The kids were so focus to finish their work at their best performance behind the closed classroom doors. Parents could only wait outside and took a peek every a couple of minutes through the half transparent glass wall.
Alif Azaria Lazuardi was among participants who came from outside of SGS. The nine years old boy was the third grade student of Mujahidin II Elementary School in Benowo area. He came well prepared with a backpack full with drawing tools. “I had all pencils and crayon shaved last night,” said Alif, showing how much he was prepared. Though he refused to target to be the winner. For him, enriching his experience and broaden horizon is more important than the winning. Alif also claimed to have participated in more than one similar event before and have never won. But that didn’t hold his enthusiasm. “I have pictured what to draw from home” said Alif.
They deliberately adopt the theme “Peace, Love and Understanding” to spark the love for peace in kids since earlier. Altogether in November 2014, Lions Club (LC) all over the world was having the same event with the same theme. “This is our annual program. The ‘Peace, Love and Understanding’ is very good to make the children accustomed to peace since earlier,” the LCSS President, Lianawati Tjokrohartono, explained.
The winner of the competition did not only get cash for the prize, some sponsor products and trophy. They also got an opportunity to represent Indonesia in the same event at world level. Of course they must pass a tight district selection in Jakarta, November 9th. The announcement will be on November 15th 2014. “If they win, we will send the winner to participate the competition in US. Participant and parents transportation will be on us,” Lianawati promised.
When the competitors were busy with their paper and pencils, other students didn’t fall behind and enlivened the stage of the bazaar area on SGS square. Some sang, danced in groups or individual. For example Brians Tjipto, the five grade SGS student who showed up his origami skills. He was challenged to make dragon and pulled it right away before the audience. When challenged to make heart shape, the founder of Surabaya House of Origami in Lontar Kulon area even compeleted the task in under one minute.
According to Feriana, the competition and bazaar that were held together with LCSS was also to introduce the existence of SGS Junior High School (JHS) to public. The plan was, the JHS will be functioning starting the next academic year 2015/2016. “After Preschool, Kindergarten and Primary, SGS is now ready to open JHS,” said Feriana, who also in charge to lead that JHS.
HAFIDA INDRAWATI
PHOTOS: HAFIDA INDRAWATI/LCSS
