Honoring Kartini: Celebrating Equality and Education at Sampoerna Academy
Last April 21, SA L'Avenue celebrated Kartini Day-- one of the few ways we can pay homage to a national hero, Raden Ajeng Kartini.
Born on the 21st of April, 1879, she dedicated her life's work to enabling Indonesian women to receive education. Her struggles and achievements paved the way for the advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment, even before Indonesia’s independence.
Through Kartini Day, we can shed light on her cause and emphasize the importance of education and gender equality.
This celebration in our school aimed to show the students different opportunities through which they can explore the life and legacy of Kartini—her struggles, and most importantly, her efforts in pioneering education for all people, especially women. Through this celebration, students are also able to understand more about Indonesia’s history and culture. Students also foster a sense of camaraderie and community, as this celebration involves teamwork and engaging with teachers to help further Kartini’s cause.
Every grade level had different activities—from ELC to Grade 9, every student worked together to help commemorate Kartini Day. In Primary, students were tasked with creating Ibu Kartini collage art, whilst K1–K2 students participated in puppet-making. Grades 1–2 had a letter-writing activity, in which students wrote letters to important women in their lives. Grades 3–4 made acrostic poems using the word KARTINI, and Grades 5–6 created posters of Indonesia’s female heroes. The Secondary students didn't miss out on the celebrations either—Grade 7 also wrote a letter to an important woman in their lives. Grade 8 made posters showcasing “Kartini masa kini,” meaning modern female figures who support causes similar to Kartini’s. Grade 9 students were tasked with writing scripts and remaking movie scenes related to the accomplishments of women. Last but not least, secondary students took part in a breakout room challenge called ‘Kartini Escape Room’, solving engaging problems and scenarios inspired by Kartini’s life and legacy.
Activities were not the only festivities included on this illustrious day—competitions were also held for every grade level. Pre-K, K1, and K2 students had a best costume contest to showcase traditional clothing. Grades 1–2 held a singing competition featuring Ibu Kartini’s song, and Grades 3–4 had a poem-writing competition with the theme “Gratitude for Education.” Grades 5–6’s competition aligned with their activity: a poster-making contest about Indonesian female heroes. Grade 7 created videos titled “Your Kartini Masa Kini” in Indonesian, highlighting the recent accomplishments of Indonesian women. Grade 8 held a singing competition, featuring songs exclusively by Indonesian female singers. Grade 9 submitted their previously created movie scene remakes for the competition.
Kartini Day at Sampoerna Academy was more than just a celebration—it was a learning journey. Students of all ages were able to reflect on the impact of one woman’s vision and how it helped shape modern Indonesia. Kartini's determination to ensure equal access to education remains a powerful reminder for generations to come.
By commemorating her legacy, we continue to uphold the values she fought for—education, equality, and empowerment for all.
