Rumah Belajar Hutaraja Hobi, Semangat dan Kepedulian untuk Danau Toba

 Samosir, NINNA.ID-Rumah Belajar Hutaraja adalah tempat belajar yang terletak di Kampung Ulos Hutaraja. Didirikan oleh Damayanti Sinaga sebagai sarana menyalurkan hobi dan semangat mengajar Bahasa Inggris kepada anak-anak.

Selain hobi dan semangat, ada target yang ingin ia capai yakni membantu, mempercepat kemampuan sumber daya masyarakat di Danau Toba khususnya di Samosir. Agar masyarakat mampu bercakap dengan para turis.

Apalagi Samosir, khususnya Kampung Ulos merupakan kampung wisata yang sangat populer. Kerap dikunjung oleh wisatawan mancanegara. Oleh karenanya masyarakat harus mampu berbahasa Inggris agar dapat melayani para tamu asing dengan prima.

[caption id="attachment_30208" align="alignnone" width="944"] Damayanti bersama murid-murid menyambut tamu asing yang datang ke Rumah Belajar Hutaraja yang tadinya di Galeri belakangan pindah ke Ruma Genteng (foto: istimwa)[/caption]

Murid-Murid

Rata-rata murid di Rumah Belajar Hutaraja adalah anak-anak SD yang tinggal di Kampung Ulos Hutaraja. Ada juga yang berasal dari luar Kampung Ulos Hutaraja yakni SDN 10 LUMBAN SUHI-SUHI dan SD 22 Lumban Suhi-Suhi.

Selama lebih dari enam bulan, murid-murid gratis belajar Bahasa Inggris. Yakni sejak bulan Agustus 2023 hingga Januari 2024.

Memasuki bulan ketujuh, yakni Februari 2024, telah dikenakan uang Les buat anak-anak yakni 50ribu per anak untuk sebulan. Saat ini ada sekitar 30 anak yang aktif belajar Bahasa Inggris. Lebih dari 20 anak SD dan 5 anak SMP.

Kelas diadakan setiap Senin dan Rabu pukul 15.00 WIB hingga 18.00 WIB. Untuk SD dimulai pukul 15.00-16.25 dan untuk SMP dimulai pukul 16.30-18.00.

Materi Pelajaran

Untuk materi pelajaran dibuat khusus sesuai dengan kebutuhan sehari-hari untuk bercakap-cakap. Topik per topik. Misalnya, jika topik membahas rumah maka seluruh benda di rumah akan ditulis dalam Bahasa Inggris.

Anak-anak juga harus menghafal kosakata tentang rumah dalam Bahasa Inggris satu per satu. Anak-anak juga wajib bisa merangkai kalimat serta membacanya dengan suara lantang.

[caption id="attachment_30211" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Rumah Belajar Hutaraja (foto: Damayanti)[/caption]

Agar pengucapan mereka setidaknya terdengar sesuai layaknya penutur asli mengucapkannya.

Menunjang dalam hal mempersiapkan generasi-generasi muda untuk menjadi pramusaji yang dapat memandu para tamu asing.

Kampung Ulos Hutaraja yang masih dalam Kawasan Geopark Kaldera Toba dijadikan sebagai destinasi wisata dunia. Presiden Jokowi menjadikan Danau Toba sebagai Destinasi Super Prioritas.

[caption id="attachment_30213" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Suasana saat anak-anak belajar di Rumah Belajar Hutaraja[/caption]

Tentu pembenahan utama yang harus dilakukan, adalah mendidik, melatih dan mengembangkan kemampuan penduduk lokal, terutama dalam berbahasa Inggris.

Semangat untuk menguasai Bahasa Inggris juga perlu ditingkatkan mengingat dunia semakin global, semakin terkoneksi satu sama lain.

Jika tidak belajar dari sekarang, anak-anak tersebut tidak mampu berkomunikasi. Hal tersebut menjadi pemicu anak-anak minder, tidak tahan banting diterpa kemajuan zaman dan tertinggal khususnya secara informasi.

Oleh karena itu, mengajarkan Bahasa Inggris untuk anak-anak merupakan pilihan tepat. Kemampuang Bahasa Inggris dapat meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir, daya saing dan kreativitas anak-anak di kampung ini agar bisa menghadapi tuntutan zaman.

Khususnya mengembangkan keterampilan berbicara dan melayani tamu-tamu asing mengingat mereka tinggal di daerah pariwisata.

Tantangan

Kendala utama antara lain anak-anak kurang menghargai waktu dan pelajaran yang diberikan. Meskipun Les Bahasa Inggris ini awalnya diberikan gratis, tidak banyak orang tua yang mendukung anaknya agar mau belajar.

Meskipun demikian, Damayanti konsisten untuk mengikuti jadwal agar Les tetap dijalankan. Hal lain yang ia lakukan adalah dengan terus aktif memberikan pengarahan kepada orang tua murid.

Bercerita manfaat apa yang telah dirasakan anak-anak dan bagaimana mereka bisa menggunakan apa yang mereka pelajari dalam hidup mereka.

Keterbatasan sumber daya seperti buku dan alat bantu lainnya turut memengaruhi kelancaran anak-anak dalam belajar. Tapi secara keseluruhan yang menjadi tantangan adalah kurangnya penghargaan.

Tapi ia yakin, jika anak-anak mendapatkan akses pendidikan, khususnya mampu meningkatkan kemampuan berbahasa Inggris. Anak-anak dapat mempromosikan daerah wisata setempat.

Selain itu, dengan kemampuan berbahasa Inggris akan memampukan mereka bekerja tidak hanya di dalam, tetapi di luar negeri dengan skala yang lebih tinggi.

Program ini sangat penting untuk dilanjutkan. Damayanti berkomitmen untuk menjalankannya. Les Bahasa Inggris menunjang ketercapaian target SDGs tujuan ke-4 yakni pendidikan berkualitas.

Ke depan, Damayanti berharap dapat punya bangunan sendiri untuk mengajar anak-anak. Untuk saat ini, bangunan ini merupakan milik kerabat.

Selain itu, Damayanti juga berharap bisa mendirikan Rumah Belajar di Girsang 1 Kecamatan Girsang Sipanganbolon. Sebab, di sanalah pertama kalinya Damayanti mengabdi, mengajar Bahasa Inggris kepada anak-anak di Girsang 1.

Catatan Redaksi

Damayanti: An Experienced Tour Guide Bringing Lake Toba to Life

   

Lake Toba, with its breathtaking natural beauty and rich Batak cultural heritage, is one of Indonesia's top travel destinations. However, the true charm of this place is not only in its scenery but also in the stories and experiences it offers to visitors.

This is what makes Damayanti, a professional tour guide and Batak culture enthusiast, the perfect companion for your journey to explore the wonders of Lake Toba.

Meet Damayanti: A Tour Guide with an Educational Spirit

With years of experience as a freelance tour guide, Damayanti has taken travelers from around the world on unique cultural and natural explorations in Samosir.

Raised in this region, she possesses deep knowledge of Batak history, traditions, and local uniqueness, offering not just information but an authentic experience that is hard to find elsewhere.

In addition to being a tour guide, Damayanti is also an experienced journalist and content writer. Her storytelling skills allow her to bring Batak history and mythology to life during her guided tours. With her engaging narration, travelers can easily understand and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Experience and Expertise

As an experienced tour guide, Damayanti offers a variety of services, including:

• Cultural and Historical Tours: Taking visitors to traditional Batak villages like Huta Siallagan and Tomok to understand the philosophy of Batak life.
• Nature Tourism: Organizing trips to stunning locations around Lake Toba, such as Bukit Holbung, Efrata Waterfall, and Sibandang Island.
• Culinary and Traditional Arts: Providing an authentic taste of Batak cuisine and introducing travelers to traditional Gondang music and the Tor-Tor dance.
• Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Travel: Promoting environmentally friendly tourism to preserve the natural beauty of Lake Toba.

Why Choose Damayanti?

1. Experienced and Professional: With a background in journalism and tour guiding, Damayanti has exceptional communication skills and presents information in an engaging and insightful manner.
2. Local, Authentic, and Knowledgeable: As a native of Samosir, Damayanti has deep connections with the local community and access to exclusive experiences that are not widely known to general tourists.
3. Customer-Oriented: She ensures that travelers receive the best experience with warm, flexible, and insightful service.
4. Multilingual: Fluent in Indonesian, English, and Batak, enabling her to communicate with international travelers.

Traveler Testimonials

Many travelers who have been guided by Damayanti have shared positive reviews about their experiences:

"Damayanti is the best tour guide I've ever met. She not only showed us beautiful places but also explained the history and culture in such an engaging way!" – Anna, Germany.

"Exploring Lake Toba with Damayanti made me feel like part of the local community. She knows the best spots and made our trip unforgettable." – James, Australia.

Contact and Start Your Adventure!

If you want to explore the beauty of Lake Toba with an expert and dedicated guide, Damayanti is the perfect choice. Contact her via email at damayantisinaga0@gmail.com or WhatsApp at 0852-9773-2855 to book an unforgettable tour!

Make your journey to Lake Toba more than just a trip—experience a meaningful and memorable adventure with Damayanti!

Meet Damayanti Sinaga: A Passionate Guide Promoting Lake Toba

 Hello, my name is Damayanti Sinaga, but you can call me Butet. In Batak culture, “Butet” is a name often given to female babies, but as I’ve grown, it’s become a part of my identity. Though I’m no longer a baby, the name stuck, especially as many people outside the Batakcommunity call me Butet. Over time, I’ve come to embrace it.

I live in Kampung Ulos Hutaraja Pardamean, a charming village located on the beautiful Samosir Island, which is nestled next to the majestic Lake Toba in the highlands of North Sumatra. Living here, surrounded by natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, fills me with pride. It’s no wonder I’ve become passionate about sharing my home with others.

A Passion for Guiding and Promoting Lake Toba

One of the main reasons I became a tour guide is my deep desire to meet and connect with people from all over the world. Through guiding, I can introduce visitors to the wonders of Lake Toba, which holds a special place in my heart. This volcanic lake is not just a natural wonder; it’s a symbol of my heritage, and I want the world to see its beauty too.

By working as a guide, I can contribute to sustainable tourism, helping to preserve the region’s natural and cultural treasures while supporting the local community. I firmly believe that tourism can be a powerful force for good, and my role as a guide allows me to play an active part in making Lake Toba a top destination for travelers while ensuring it remains vibrant and thriving for generations to come.

A Lifelong Love for Learning and Sharing Knowledge

Aside from guiding, I have a love for reading, research, and continuous learning. I enjoy teaching and often spend my free time sharing knowledge with children in my community. It’s a hobby that brings me immense joy. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and I take every opportunity to expand my horizons by learning new languages and making friends from different parts of the world.

My previous experience as an editor at Analisa Newspaper, one of the largest newspapers in North Sumatra, has shaped my communication skills and deepened my understanding of the media and tourism industries. This experience, coupled with my love for storytelling and sharing local culture, has given me the confidence to guide visitors in a way that is both informative and welcoming.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism

As a local, I understand the importance of sustainable tourism and the impact it has on the environment, economy, and society. I want to show tourists the authentic beauty of Lake Toba while ensuring that tourism benefits the local community. Sustainable practices are at the heart of my tours, whether it’s encouraging responsible travel behaviors or supporting local businesses.

Every tour I lead is an opportunity to share the beauty of the land, the history of the Batak people, and the importance of preserving this unique destination. Lake Toba is more than just a place; it’s a story waiting to be told. Through my tours, I hope to help visitors connect with this place in meaningful and lasting ways.

Conclusion: Welcoming the World to Lake Toba

Through my work, I aim to make Lake Toba not just a destination, but an experience that visitors will cherish forever. Whether it’s through a scenic tour of the lake or a cultural walk through my village, I want each traveler to leave with a deeper appreciation of the beauty and culture of North Sumatra.

As I continue to learn, grow, and connect with people from all corners of the globe, I invite you to visit Lake Toba and experience it through my eyes. Let’s create lasting memories together and help make sustainable tourism a priority for everyone.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I look forward to sharing the wonders of Lake Toba with you.

Hutaraja Learning House: Hobby, Passion, and Care for Lake Toba

  

Hutaraja Learning House is a learning center located in Ulos Hutaraja Village. It was founded by Damayanti Sinaga as a medium to channel her hobby and passion for teaching English to children.

Besides her hobby and passion, Damayanti aims to help accelerate the development of local human resources in Lake Toba, especially in Samosir. She hopes the community can converse with tourists, particularly as Samosir, especially Ulos Village, is a popular tourist destination often visited by international travelers. Therefore, residents need to speak English to serve foreign guests well.

Students The majority of students at Hutaraja Learning House are elementary school children from Ulos Hutaraja Village. Some also come from outside the village, such as SDN 10 Lumban Suhi-Suhi and SD 22 Lumban Suhi-Suhi. For more than six months, children have been learning English for free, from August 2023 to January 2024. Starting in February 2024, a tuition fee of IDR 50,000 per child per month has been introduced. Currently, around 30 children actively study English, including over 20 elementary school students and five junior high school students.

Classes are held every Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM WIB, with elementary students attending from 3:00 to 4:25 PM and junior high students from 4:30 to 6:00 PM.

Lesson Materials The lesson materials are tailored to daily conversational needs, topic by topic. For example, when discussing the home, all household items are listed in English, and students must memorize the vocabulary. They are also required to construct sentences and read them aloud to improve their pronunciation.

This program helps prepare the younger generation to become guides capable of assisting foreign tourists.

Ulos Hutaraja Village, located within the Toba Caldera Geopark, has been designated a global tourist destination. President Jokowi has even designated Lake Toba as a Super Priority Destination. Therefore, improving local skills, especially English proficiency, is crucial.

The motivation to learn English must be boosted as the world becomes increasingly interconnected. Without proper education, children risk falling behind in terms of communication and access to information, which could lead to a lack of confidence.

Teaching English to children here is a strategic move to enhance critical thinking, competitiveness, and creativity. These skills are essential for handling the demands of a globalized world, especially in a tourism-focused area.

Challenges The main challenges faced include a lack of respect for time and lessons among the children. Despite the free initial classes, many parents were not supportive of their children's learning.

Nevertheless, Damayanti remains committed to maintaining the schedule and continues to engage with parents about the benefits the children have experienced and how the skills can be useful in life.

Limited resources such as books and teaching aids also impact the learning process. However, the core challenge remains the lack of appreciation for education.

Damayanti believes that if children have access to quality education, particularly English skills, they will be able to promote their local tourism industry and even pursue better job opportunities abroad.

This program aligns with the SDGs Goal 4: Quality Education, and Damayanti is committed to continuing it. She aspires to have a dedicated building for teaching children, as the current space belongs to a relative. Additionally, she hopes to establish a learning center in Girsang 1, where she first began teaching English to children.