Art, Culture, and Compassion: What Q1 2025 Meant for Peduli Anak
Imagine stepping into a world where every brushstroke is a bust of joy and every handmade craft carries the promise of hope. That’s exactly what the first few months of 2025 felt like at Peduli Anak. From art workshops with passionate volunteers to cultural classes full of wonder, our children embraced creativity in its many forms, and had the time of their lives doing so.
Over the course of Q1, our center transformed into a vibrant space of learning, imagination, and collaboration, thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers from France and the visiting community from Green School Bali. Each brought their unique flair, enriching the lives of our children in ways we’re still smiling about.
Drawing and Coloring
It all started with art — the kind that doesn’t require perfection but instead celebrates expression. In February, we welcomed Hadda, a volunteer from France. She introduced the children to drawing and coloring sessions that felt more like mini adventures than classes.
Armed with markers, crayons, and a heart full of excitement, Hadda guided the children to draw what made them happy — from the things around them to the beautiful scenery.
“I didn’t expect to be so moved,” Hadda shared. “They drew with such joy and courage. One child drew a big red heart and said it was for all of us who came to see them. I will carry that moment with me forever.”
The sessions didn’t just hone artistic skills; they helped the children open up, tell stories, and bond. For some of them, it was the first time they held a set of colored pencils that were just for them.
Batik & Aromatherapy Candles
Creativity still continues with the arrival of the students and teachers from Green School Bali. Their energy was contagious. Their workshops? Unforgettable.
The team led two main activities: batik-making and aromatherapy candle crafting. The children learned about the meaning behind traditional patterns, and how to apply wax and dyes to create their own pieces. There was a little mess, a lot of color, and even more pride in the finished work.
The candle workshop was a sensory delight. Jasmine scent floated in the air as the children mixed wax, poured into a small cup, and added wicks with focus. They learned not just about creativity but also about mindfulness — how scents can calm the heart, how a quiet task can be soothing.
“It’s not about teaching,” one Green School student told us. “We learned so much from the children too — how to stay joyful, how to care for each other, how to be present.”
Additionally, the children and Green School students also engage in beaded accessories making. Our children pour their creativity into making necklaces, bracelets, and headbands with colorful beads.
The power of Volunteer-Led Education
These activities may seem small at first glance — a drawing here, a waxy candle glowing in a recycles jar there. But for our children, they are much more.
They are memories.
They are confidence-builders.
They are sparks of inspiration.
Every child who joined a class, made something with their own hands, or learned a new cultural skill gained a little more belief in themselves.
And the volunteers? They gained something too — a deeper connection to humanity, and often, a renewed sense of purpose.
Why It Matters
At Peduli Anak, we believe education isn’t just about textbooks and tests. It’s about exposure, expression, and experience. When children are given the chance to create, explore, and share stories — they thrive.
Thanks to our amazing volunteers and partners like Hadda and the Green School Bali, Q1 2025 became a season of color, rhythm, laughter, and light.
