Building Children’s Confidence and Courage Through Imaginative Art: A Creative Learning Initiative by UNESA PG-PAUD Group 37
SURABAYA – Following the success of the previous week’s activities, Group 37 (Batch 2) students from the Early Childhood Teacher Education Program (PG-PAUD) at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) once again carried out a volunteer teaching activity on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The program was held at the Pelita Insan Pembelajar (PIJAR) Foundation under the theme “Imaginative Art.”
This non-formal educational program was specifically designed to provide children from marginalized communities with opportunities to express themselves creatively while developing important psychosocial skills. Through artistic activities, the program aimed to nurture imagination, self-confidence, communication skills, and emotional expression in a supportive learning environment.
The session began with energizing games designed to improve the children’s focus and enthusiasm during the afternoon activities. These interactive games helped create a positive atmosphere and prepared the participants for the main learning activity.
During the core session, the children were given a picture template known as the “Warteg Test” and were encouraged to draw and color freely according to their own imagination and creativity. The UNESA students acted as facilitators who continuously supported and encouraged the children without limiting their creative ideas. This approach allowed the participants to explore their artistic abilities while developing fine motor skills in a fun, enjoyable, and exploratory manner.
The highlight of the second-day program was the presentation session. Each child was invited to stand in front of the class and explain the meaning behind the artwork they had created. Although some children initially felt shy and hesitant to speak in front of others, the facilitators patiently encouraged them to share their ideas and express themselves confidently.
During the presentations, the volunteers also taught the children the importance of respecting others by listening attentively when their friends were speaking. They guided the participants in maintaining appropriate behavior and managing their voices while someone else was presenting. This experience helped create a positive and respectful classroom culture.
The presentation session proved to be highly effective in developing public speaking skills, increasing self-confidence, and strengthening social communication among the children. By sharing the stories behind their artwork, the participants learned to express their thoughts, appreciate different perspectives, and build confidence in presenting their ideas to others.
The activity concluded with the distribution of reward stickers as a form of appreciation for the children’s participation, creativity, and effort throughout the session. The smiles and excitement displayed by the participants reflected the success of the program in creating meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences.
Through this activity, it is hoped that children will continue to develop confidence, courage, creativity, and social skills that will support their personal growth and future learning experiences. The program also demonstrated how art can serve as a powerful medium for fostering self-expression, communication, and character development in children.
