Sleman, Indonesia - Jogjakarta Montessori Elementary School (JMES), Grades 4 and 5, recently completed a “Live In” program held at Kebong Agung tourist village for three days, from April 22 to 24, 2025. This annual agenda at JMES serves as a unique opportunity for the students to learn, play, and connect directly with the local community and environment in a meaningful way.

This immersive program allowed students to step out of their classrooms and plunge into real-life learning experiences. During their extraordinary stay, the students and teachers engaged in a range of practical, cultural, social, and environmental activities that nurtured self-growth and community awareness, strengthening connections as they interacted and spent quality time together during the program.

Before starting the day, the students gathered at Pendopo Puntodewo (pavilion) to have a preparation session with the village leader, encouraging community bond. As the program ran, the students were brought to a wonder of experiences at the village. The students tried traditional games that sparked joy and team spirit, like playing egrang, rubber rope, and matching football on the field. They also learned local skills such as making some cherished local delicacies like salted eggs and cemplon or klepon and crafting otok–otok (handy craft), which fosters their creativity while learning practical life skills.

Their experiences did not stop; they also enjoyed cycling through the scenic village, breathing fresh air with friends and teachers, strolling around the village, enjoying a bonfire and Kenduri (traditional feast), and watching Gejog Lesung, a traditional art performance from Yogyakarta, performed by the local women, enhancing the sense of community, cultural awareness, and festivity. In addition, they gained firsthand experience of rural life by feeding cows and sustainable agriculture by farming in a rice field alongside residents and even riding a plowing buffalo.

This program became indelible learning as the students shared daily routines like resting, eating, and conversing with host families, exemplifying their worthwhile learning of acknowledging the importance of culture, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. One memorable activity was the students also having special performances at Pendopo, like performing traditional dance, singing, reading poetry, and playing drama, embracing the joyful moment with friends, teachers, and local communities.

The “Live In” program is an actualization of hands-on learning's impact in nurturing young minds to become compassionate, aware, and responsible individuals, remaining a remarkable journey of learning, bonding, and discovering for the JMES community.

Join the excitement and follow @jogjakartamontessori to discover a world of joyful learning! Each day brings new adventures in creativity, growth, and exploration.