Saumlaki English Club

Saumlaki English Club is presently a medium for students who have interests in English and would like to improve and develop their English in such fun learning activities. They were selected through two types of tests:  written and spoken. Of 900s students who joined the test during a marathon selection in August-September 2013, only 70 were accomodated as there was a very limited number of trainers. However, in the second period of the program later, the number of students to be accomodated is expected to increase.

The members of this club are called e-Clubbers. They consists of two classes, Junior and Senior classes. They are from some Junior and Senior High schools in Saumlaki. Their classes are held every Saturday, from 14.00 to 15.30 WIT for the junior class and from 16.00 – 17.30 WIT for the senior one. During the program,they  learn English through videos, songs, audio recordings and  a lot of English games. We believe whatS we learn with pleasure, we never forget. In the club, they not only learn English but also show their talents and do their hobbies which are then implemented in some video advertisements like Let’s Read and Let’s Learn English.  Besides, we direct and guide our students to take part  in producing  a monthly English magazine, Spectazine. 

The learning process is not only conducted in a classroom but also at the internet cafe and library.  Sometimes, we have outdoor activities, like learning at the beach. All students enjoy their class as it is conducted differently, with full of games and fun activities.  On 22 November 2013, we were invited by Dinas Pendidikan, Pemuda dan Olahraga Maluku Tenggara Barat to conduct a one-day English Fun event for Maluku Tenggara Barat elementary school teachers during their development program. The students were excited and felt happy that they could help elementary school teachers to learn and teach fun English to their students later. 

The existence of this club has  elevated the people’s awareness about how important English is. It is reflected by some demands from the people to open more classes.  Besides, the fun learning that we have implemented during the program has opened teachers’ horizon  to  apply a similar way when teaching their students. Even, some teachers now have more private students  after parents recognize their teaching methods.