Extracurricular Activities at SMP Merdeka
SMP Merdeka is a junior high school located in a peaceful rural village in Indonesia. Although it is a small school, it offers a variety of extracurricular activities to help students develop their talents and interests outside the classroom.
Some of the popular extracurricular clubs include the traditional dance club, basketball club, scouting (Pramuka), choir, and school gardening club. These activities allow students to be active, creative, and socially engaged.
By joining these clubs, students gain confidence, learn teamwork, and develop new skills. Many also discover their passion and continue to grow in their chosen area of interest. For example, the gardening club helps students understand farming and caring for the environment, which is very relevant to village life.
The basketball club meets every Wednesday and Friday after school, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM on the village court near the rice fields. The choir is led by Bu Ayu, the music teacher, and practices once a week in the open hall beside the mosque.
SMP Merdeka students also participate in local and regional competitions. Some of these include traditional dance festivals, basketball tournaments between schools, and scouting jamborees held at the sub-district level.
These activities help students build school pride and connect with other youth in the area.