Interweaving Activism and Academics: Reflections on my Educational Journey with UIII

By Ajeng Satiti Ayuningtyas

For me, education has always been more than just classrooms and textbooks. It is the breath of life, a path to justice, and a bridge that connects us with those who are often marginalized. From the beginning, I have been involved in various educational movements, not because I feel capable, but because small, consistent changes can foster great hope.

My journey of activism has taken me to various communities. In 2015, I built Sekoci Foundation (Yayasan Sekolah Cinta Anak Indonesia), formerly known as Sekolah Kolong Cikini, located in the Gondangdia RPTRA (under the train station) as an alternative learning space for marginalized children. I also noticed that the opportunity to receive a good education was only available to children who were already well-off, so what about marginalized children?

Sekoci was born out of my concern for marginalized children in Central Jakarta who struggled to access formal education. Together with my colleagues, we created an alternative learning space that was friendly, creative, and full of love. We call it “Sekoci”—a nod to the philosophy of a small ship shining a light in the darkness and navigating the ocean of knowledge. At Sekoci, there are four classes with different age ranges. These include A1, which is like preschool for ages 3-5; A2 for ages 5-7; B1 for elementary school; and B2 for junior high and high school. We currently have 80 students studying with us. Our programs include Mendarat (Storytelling and Relaxed Learning), Berlayar (Let’s Learn and Go Together), and Dermaga (Sitting with Leaders and Parents).

Through Sekoci which 10 years established, I learned that education isn’t just about the curriculum but also about taking sides. The children we mentor not only learn to read and write but also importantly discover the meaning of togetherness, self-confidence, and dreams. From this experience, I have come to understand that every child has the right to dream big, regardless of their background. I remember writing a paper in my Education and Society class titled “Left Behind the System: Exploring the Role of Alternative Education for Central Jakarta’s Marginalized Children,” which I planned to present online at the Asian Conference on Education (ACE 2025). For me, it was essential not only to understand the theory but also to apply what I had learned in practice.

Another effort that I’m also actively involved in a read-aloud community, which may sound simple, but it has incredible power in fostering children’s interest in reading. Through Barikade (Reading from Close Family), I’ve helped drive reading campaigns in public spaces, homes, and schools. From this activity, I’ve learned that literacy isn’t just merely about reading skills but also about building emotional bonds between children, parents, and the community. Reading together is a way to foster closeness, curiosity, and critical awareness from an early age. Taking Literacy and Development Resources classes has further enriched my understanding of the world of literacy, which I can share with the community.

As a student mom of two, I’m currently involved as a facilitator in Sadar Ibu (Mother Awareness Program). Sadar Ibu is a program that optimizes the role of women through group support and mental health education. We know that women, especially mothers, play multiple roles in their daily lives. This program opens new perspectives and serves as a comfortable space for mothers to share their stories and receive support through mental health education from professionals, clinical psychologist. The Psychology in Education, Human Development, and Well-being in Education courses have further sharpened my role in Sadar Ibu, empowering mothers to be open of the help and support. There are still many mothers who need help with their mental health. I wrote a paper on Educational Leadership Management to see explore female leader and her wellbeing titled Coping Strategies of a Female Principal in Maintaining Wellbeing for School Effectiveness: A Case Study at PKBM in Pamulang.

From Field Activist to Scholar-Activist

Upon joining the Faculty of Education at UIII in a master of arts program, I found a space that combined academic reflection with practical experience. Class discussions, theoretical readings, and cross-cultural interactions allowed me to re-examine my journey through a new lens.

In the Leading Educational Change course, I understood that educational movements, such as Sekoci, do not operate in isolation. Educational movements like Sekoci are part of a broader change effort that requires strategic implementation within a defined policy framework. Then, I was a principal of kindergarten school before and as a leader in the education movement, the educational leadership and management class also helped me gain a macro perspective. Leadership in education does not always emerge from structural positions but also from community initiatives.

Through Education and Society, I realized the close relationship between family, society, and the state in shaping the educational ecosystem. What I experienced at Barikade or Sadar Ibu (Mother’s Awareness) turned out to be a concrete practice of critical educational theory.

UIII has been helping me reconcile my two identities: field activist and academic. I learned that experiences in the community need to be written, analyzed, and published to become shared knowledge. This way, they can inspire more people and even influence policy.

I no longer view activism and study as two separate paths but rather as one, mutually reinforcing one another. Activism gave me real-world experience; the speakers provided me with a framework for understanding and expanding its impact.

Studying at UIII gave me a new energy: that I am not just a volunteer, facilitator, or community founder, but also a scholar-activist ready to bring ideas from the field to the academic realm, while simultaneously returning theory to practice.

The education I champion can favours children, empowers families, strengthens women, and protects the earth. And it is at this intersection of activism education finds its true meaning. Because education is a collective work, so we have to hand in hand work together and collaborate in this long-term journey.