By: Elisabeth Uru Ndaya
Celebrating Easter differently is one of the agendas of the Kawara Panamung weaving group through the Multiplication program of Stube HEMAT in Sumba. Various competitions were held to enliven it (17/04/2022). By involving Sunday school children and youth of Sumba Christian Church (GKS) Jemaat Karunggu, the competitions were held for 2 days (14 & 16/04/2022) at the GKS Karunggu church, with a fashion show of all-weaving, Bible quizzes, karaoke, and outdoor activities such as bite the crackers, bite the spoon and tug of war. One interesting point is all participants in the competition are required to wear traditional Sumba clothes to introduce the culture and woven cloth of East Sumba to children and youth of GKS Karunggu.
The competition was opened by the Pastor of the GKS Karunggu congregation, Rev.Petrus Ndakularak, S.Th. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude to the Multiplication program of Stube HEMAT in Sumba for supporting the implementation of these activities and motivating services at GKS Karunggu, especially the women's group who are members of Kawara Panamung. More than one hundred children as the delegation of each region and the presence of their parents attended the competition and made a lively atmosphere there.
The children confidently performed their talents and skills in fashion show competitions both in front of the audience and the camera. The atmosphere was getting lively and more exciting when the participants of the Sunday school children went up to the stage one by one. They dressed in traditional clothes and waddled on their feet on the carpet like professional models with the youngest participant aged 2 years. However, some participants looked confused on the stage. Some walked in a harmony with the rhythm of the music, but some rushed off the stage. The parents were excited to see their children waddling in the fashion show competition. They looked touched and proud to see their children in action on stage. The same with other competitions, parents enthusiastically supported their children to perform their talents.
After the worship service on Sunday, the committee distributed the prizes to the Sunday school children and youth in the presence of their parents and congregation. This activity became a good moment for the congregation as parents and children to grow together, supporting each other with love in the family. The series of competitions were recorded in videos as material for socializing activities and learning about Sumba cultural values, values of togetherness, education for children's growth and development, as well as the spirit of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death. The digital era has made it easier for people to interact with each other and share information and knowledge with others.***
