Enuma School: Transforming Learning Through Games and Technology

Nagekeo, February 5, 2025 – Perched atop a rugged hillside surrounded by arid savanna, a modest school in Nagekeo is pioneering an innovative approach to education. Through the Enuma School Program, facilitated by Plan Indonesia in collaboration with local authorities, students here are embracing digital learning with enthusiasm and determination.  

On arrival, we were greeted by Igen (30), a dedicated teacher and the school’s Enuma operator. He introduced us to the principal, the homeroom teacher, and a group of eager students engaged in their Enuma session.  

“Our Enuma classes take place in this hut,” Igen explained. “Ideally, we would use the classrooms, but beyond this point, the signal disappears.”  

In this remote area, internet connectivity is a major challenge. The hut, strategically positioned to capture the strongest 4G signal, has become the de facto digital learning space. Despite being just seven kilometres from the capital of Nagekeo Regency, the school remains in a communications blind spot, lacking telephone and internet coverage.  

“Connectivity is our main obstacle, but we are committed to making Enuma classes work. The program significantly enhances literacy and numeracy, and the children love it. Plan Indonesia has provided an Orbit device, which we’ve set up at the best reception point so that students can access the platform,” Igen added.  

The Joy of Learning Through Play

As we spoke, the classroom buzzed with excitement. A young student, engrossed in his tablet, laughed while practising English phrases from the Enuma app. Others counted on their fingers, tapped their screens, and cheered when they answered correctly. Some students appeared intensely focused and determined to master each challenge presented by the program.  

After the session, the students eagerly shared their experiences. Seven-year-old Forti was among the first to speak. “I like English because I get to play games,” he said with a wide grin.  

Eight-year-old Reva, who had remained focused throughout the lesson, expressed her appreciation for the interactive format. “It feels like a game. If I get something wrong, I just try again until I get it right,” she explained.  

Then came nine-year-old Platoh, beaming with confidence. “I love mathematics,” he declared. “I enjoy watching the videos and playing the games.”  

Fostering Responsibility and InitiativeEster (56), the homeroom teacher, confirmed the students’ remarkable engagement. “They don’t just wait for class to begin; they remind us when it’s time. They also take great care of the Enuma equipment, making sure everything is returned properly.”  

She described how students sometimes bring the tablets back to the teachers’ office, only leaving once they see Igen lock the storage cabinet. “I, Mr Igen, and two other assistants lead the supervision to ensure the equipment remains in good condition for future use,” she added.  

Gita (42), the acting principal, emphasized the transformative impact of Enuma School. Previously a sixth-grade teacher, she now leads the institution and has witnessed firsthand how the program enhances learning. “Traditional textbooks are reimagined through videos, illustrations, and interactive games, making complex concepts easier for students to grasp,” she said.  

She also highlighted the students’ growing sense of responsibility. “Their discipline is impressive. They never miss a session, and if a teacher is absent, they take the initiative to ask whether the class will continue. They are highly motivated and eager to learn.”  

A Collaborative Effort to Boost Literacy and Numeracy

According to a March 2023 report by ANTARA News, the Enuma School initiative, developed in partnership with The Head Foundation and the Nagekeo Regional Government, has significantly contributed to improving literacy and numeracy rates in the region.  

The Nagekeo Education Office reports that the program has exceeded literacy and numeracy targets for 2024 which reached 58.00 and 41.79 consecutively, achieving a literacy score of 60.88 and a numeracy score of 49.75. The use of technology-based learning aligns with Indonesia’s Merdeka Belajar curriculum, and children have responded positively to the engaging format.  

Venantius Minggu, Head of the Nagekeo Education Office, commended the collaborative effort. “We are grateful for the support of strategic partners such as Plan Indonesia. Their contributions have been invaluable in advancing literacy and numeracy in our region,” he stated.  

Through collective commitment and innovation, the Enuma School Program is redefining education in Nagekeo, proving that learning, even in the most remote areas, can be engaging, effective, and fun.