From the blare of sirens to bursts of laughter
The siren wasn’t a threat—it was the beginning of courage
A volcano erupts in a small bottle, spilling colorful science amidst joyful cheers
In the midst of bravery, warmth grows
With pure laughter, warm smiles, and endless enthusiasm

About the Activity

On May 24, 2025, Skill Up, in collaboration with Skhole, held the Smart Child Alert Program (SIGAP) at Jihadul Wasilah Mosque in Cicaheum. The program aimed to raise early awareness among elementary school children about the importance of natural disaster mitigation. With a cheerful and warm atmosphere, the children participated in a series of educational activities—from material presentations and earthquake simulations to volcanic eruption experiments. Through interactive and engaging approaches, the program not only provided basic disaster knowledge but also nurtured courage and skills to prepare children for emergency situations.

The highlight of the event was when the children enthusiastically carried out the simulation and experiment, filled with colors, laughter, and joy. Their cheerful spirit, curiosity, and enthusiasm fueled the mentors to continue sharing knowledge and experiences. Positive responses flowed from the children and all stakeholders involved, strengthening the hope that SIGAP can bring lasting impact in shaping a generation that is resilient, caring, and ready to protect themselves and their environment from disaster threats.

Initial Interaction

SIGAP began as children started gathering at Jihadul Wasilah Mosque in Cicaheum around 9 a.m. While waiting, they chatted with one another with laughter and high excitement. Shortly after everyone arrived, the MC opened the event in a relaxed manner—making the atmosphere feel more friendly and approachable. SIGAP was indeed designed as a fun and informative space for children to interact and learn.

Activity Flow

The main activities were divided into two sessions: an interactive discussion on natural disasters and a mini volcanic eruption simulation experiment. Before the event began, the children were divided into three groups, each accompanied by three mentors. The mentors encouraged the children to form small circles to start the first session. This mentoring session began with introductions and was followed by a group discussion using prepared posters. These posters explained current natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

During the discussion, the children were active and excited—they even chose which disaster topic to discuss first. They also voiced their opinions and shared their knowledge on natural disasters guided by the mentors. In addition to discussing the topic, the mentors conducted ice-breaking games to keep the mood light and fun. The children’s enthusiasm proved that a relaxed learning environment opens up space for free and creative thinking.

After the discussion, the children were guided to do a simple earthquake simulation. The simulation began with instructions from the mentors for everyone to gather, followed by a siren played through the loudspeaker. The mentors guided them to evacuate to a safe spot and remain there until the simulated earthquake was declared over. This session served as a practical application of the disaster response measures discussed earlier, helping children understand what to do in the event of a real earthquake.

Aside from learning about disasters, the children also had the chance to conduct a science experiment simulating a volcanic eruption. The experiment used easily found household materials like soap, baking soda, red food coloring, and vinegar. At the start, mentors demonstrated how the ingredients could create an erupting effect. Afterward, the children were allowed to try it themselves.

“At first, I was really scared I’d fail when trying it without the mentors’ instructions, but I was so happy when it actually worked,” said July, one of the participants. This statement shows that the experiment was not only fun but also helped build the children's self-confidence. The activity successfully created an interactive and entertaining learning experience without losing its educational value.

A Sense of Togetherness

The event closed with a documentation session and relaxed quality time. The atmosphere remained warm and pleasant. The children showed great enthusiasm—some even curiously explored and tested the event cameras used by the committee. “It was really fun. I love events like this, especially when there’s an experiment. Though to be honest, I got a bit bored during the lesson part—I prefer math,” Puja said cheerfully. The camaraderie built during the day made the children reluctant to leave. Even after the official event ended, they kept chatting and playing with one another.

Furthermore, during the time escorting the children home, the mentors and organizers had a chance to engage in casual conversations with them. The children expressed their wish for similar events to be held again with even more varied topics. “It was so much fun—I’d love to join if there’s another event like this,” said Citra excitedly.

Lesson Learned

The SIGAP event left valuable lessons for everyone involved. The program ran smoothly thanks to good communication and quick coordination, despite the relatively short preparation time. Everything flowed naturally and without pressure, creating a joyful atmosphere for the children.

“We hope what we shared can be useful and memorable for them,” said Fadel, the event coordinator, full of hope. His words are a reminder that even small efforts can have a big impact when done with sincerity.

From this experience, we learn that creating a comfortable and inclusive environment is key to supporting children's learning spirit. They not only gained new knowledge but also enjoyed every moment of the journey. May the joy and togetherness built today continue in future events, sparking our collective spirit to keep contributing to education as an investment in the nation's future.