Karangmalang-Yogyakarta. An environmentally friendly lifestyle is a vital literacy that children can learn during their school holiday period. The English Language Education program at UNY offers this invaluable opportunity through its flagship annual program, “English for Holidays” (EFH). Since the early 2000s, EFH has become a popular program to fill the school holiday period for everyone, not limited to the campus community. In fact, every school holiday, children in the Yogyakarta area and beyond have a regular schedule to attend EFH. In 2024, EFH will be held again, this time incorporating the theme of “sustainability”.

Scheduled from June 24 to July 5, 2024, EFH 2024 will integrate language learning activities with natural conservation concepts. The program offers children the experience of learning English while becoming acquainted with recycling practices, energy conservation, wise food consumption, and other relevant activities. Learning becomes exciting at EFH because 'education in the classroom becomes enjoyable, and playing outside the classroom becomes educational'.

"Outside of the classroom, children will spend their holidays experiencing an environmentally friendly lifestyle and learning about traditional cultural values that support harmony with nature," revealed the head of EFH 2024, Febi Puspitasari. Interestingly, at EFH 2024, children will engage in eco-field trips to tourist villages. They are also invited to interact with their new friends while enjoying eco-gastronomy menus on culinary day.

At EFH, learning English becomes eco playtime for the children. According to the head of EFH 2024, language learning is not just about understanding the language concepts. “Language learning should also be an access point for children to participate in global issues, especially on how to care for the environment from an early age and the concept of interacting with people who care about sustainability,” Febi explained. Starting in May 2024, the program will open registration for participants aged 5-15 years with limited slots. Classes will be divided from kindie to junior senior levels, accompanied by teachers active in Teaching English for Young Learners (TEYL). For 10 days, participants will learn English at UNY, culminating in a performance day.

By participating in EFH, the holiday becomes a memorable English language experience with new friends who are equally concerned about the environment. So, please visit https://teyl.pbi.fbsb.uny.ac.id/english-for-holidays to not miss the latest information for registration. (pbi)