Bridging Cultures Through Art: Wayang Character Coloring Competition at Bangkhlongrua School, Thailand
Department of English
Nanda Nawangsari
June 28, 2023
Learning and Students
SDG 4,
During her participation in the International Teaching Assistance (AMI) program, Nanda Nawangsari, a student from the Faculty of Letters at Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), organized a special Wayang Character Coloring Competition for sixth-grade students at Bangkhlongrua School, Krabi, Thailand. This competition, held from June 14 to June 20, 2024, was one of the many engaging activities Nanda initiated to enhance the educational experience and promote cultural exchange, aligning with the goals of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.
The Wayang Character Coloring Competition aimed to introduce the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia to the students of Bangkhlongrua School. Wayang, a traditional form of puppet theater art from Indonesia, provided an excellent medium for students to explore and express their creativity. Each student received an outline of a Wayang character and a set of coloring materials, allowing them to bring these traditional puppets to life with their own imaginative touch.
The competition saw enthusiastic participation from the sixth graders, who were eager to showcase their artistic skills. Throughout the week, the students worked diligently on their pieces, experimenting with colors and techniques to create vibrant and unique representations of the Wayang characters.
Awarding The Winner of Wayang Coloring Competition
On June 21, 2024, a special assembly was held to announce the winners and celebrate their achievements, marking also as a farewell event for Nanda and her friend Diva before returning to Indonesia. The first place was awarded to Aswanee, whose artwork stood out for its exceptional attention to detail and striking color palette. Nong Mee secured second place with her innovative use of colors and shading techniques. Both winners were honored with prizes, recognizing their outstanding efforts and creativity.
Nanda expressed her joy at the students’ active participation and enthusiasm. “Seeing the students so engaged and excited about the Wayang Character Coloring Competition was truly heartwarming. It wasn’t just about coloring; it was about sharing and appreciating the cultural heritage of Indonesia,” she remarked.
The competition was a testament to the success of the AMI program’s objectives of fostering cultural exchange and enhancing educational experiences. By integrating cultural activities like the Wayang Character Coloring Competition into her teaching, Nanda provided the students with a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate a different culture, while also developing their artistic skills.
This initiative aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The competition enhanced the quality of education at Bangkhlongrua School by introducing innovative and engaging learning activities that promote creativity and cultural awareness.
The Wayang Character Coloring Competition was not only a highlight of Nanda’s teaching assistance at Bangkhlongrua School but also a memorable event that strengthened the bonds of friendship and understanding between Indonesia and Thailand. As the students proudly displayed their colorful Wayang characters, the competition served as a vivid reminder of the power of cultural exchange in bringing people together and enriching their educational journeys, contributing to the broader goals of quality education.