After five months of talk, discussion and some practice session as preparation, we eventually start this indigenous initiative to revive the culture among the children in Talekoi village.
Sekolah Adat (customary school) Anri Arai Atei is a formed to help Dayak Maanyan kids in Talekoi village and around to preserve their culture in the midst of globalization and a wave of technology. It serves as a place and platform where the kids can learn more about the indigenous wisdoms as passed down by the elders, and connect with the culture without being ashamed of their identity as indigenous children. The activities consist of traditional dance practice, learning about the indigenous art such as weaving and carving, and indigenous language preservation. For the Dayak Maanyan community, the language and teaching are passed through tumet leut (singing and chanting) and tanuhuy (storytelling). This will be one of the main focus of Sakolah Adat Anri Arai Atei, to make sure that the language and wisdom do not disappear.
Currently we have forty-two children with age range between 5-13 years old. Araiyani, or ineh Ardi, is the one who become the permanent teacher of Sekolah Adat Anri Arai Atei. She is a native of the village and once was a dancer herself. She is in charge of the kids’ activities. For now, the kids gather twice a week with two hours of learning every time.
