“Binalar” Cards Serve as a Catalyst; IPB’s PKM Team Encourages Orphanage Teens to Express Their Feelings Through Narrative Arts Therapy
The IPB University Student Creativity Program in Community Service (PKM-PM) team, through the Binalar program, is helping teenagers at the Rumah Cahaya Cendekia Foundation (YRCC) recognize and express their emotional experiences of grief through a Narrative Arts Therapy approach that combines painting, affirmation cards, reflection, and nature exploration on the IPB campus.
“Binalar was created because teenagers who have lost a parent need to come to terms with their grief and adapt to life in an orphanage. Through art, we want to help them recognize and express their feelings in a way that feels comfortable for them,” said Karima Nur Maulida, the Binalar team leader.
Ngawarnaan Rasa is a painting activity that invites participants to express their emotional experiences and reflections on grief through paintings on canvas.
Before starting to paint, participants were given Binalar affirmation cards to help them identify the feelings they were currently experiencing. Participants were then free to translate those feelings into their paintings. The cards contained messages about accepting one’s feelings, valuing oneself, and believing that everyone has a different healing process.
The reflective atmosphere then continued with a nature walk on the IPB campus. Participants were invited to explore nature in small groups and search for plants that matched the plant cards they had received. The plants they found then became part of the participants’ reflections on their personal journeys.
One of the YRCC leaders, Andi, praised the Binalar activity, noting that it provided a new space for teenagers to express their feelings. In his view, activities that blend art and nature make participants feel more comfortable engaging and sharing their stories.
“I saw that they really enjoyed the activity. They were able to express what they were feeling through images and colors, while also learning to make sense of their experiences,” he said.
MD, a 14 old Binalar participant, felt the same way. He said he enjoyed taking part in the activity because it allowed him to channel his feelings through painting and discover meaning in the plants.
“I’m happy because I can draw according to my own feelings. It turns out that I can also learn about myself from plants,” he explained.
This experience is part of Binalar’s process of creating a space for teenagers to recognize, express, and make sense of their emotional experiences through methods that resonate with them. It is hoped that every color, story, and experience they discover will serve as a small step toward better self understanding, accepting their feelings, and continuing to grow. (*/Rz) (IAAS/DON)
