Bringing Language to Life: ILLA Ambassador Seyba Nabilla Iwandha at Woolooware High School

As part of the Hari Pendidikan Indonesia celebrations on 2 May 2026, the Indonesian Language Learning Ambassador (ILLA) Program continues to strengthen connections between Indonesia and Australian schools through language and cultural exchange.

At Woolooware High School in New South Wales, ILLA Ambassador Seyba Nabilla Iwandha (Bella) began her engagement on 16 February 2026. In close collaboration with Indonesian teacher Ibu Jess Holiday, it was agreed that Bella would commence her classroom activities from 24 February, with a series of visits scheduled throughout Term 1 and continuing into April.

From the outset, Bella’s role focused on supporting classroom learning while enriching the Indonesian language program through interactive lessons and cultural activities. Working alongside Ibu Jess, she helped create a more engaging and immersive learning environment for students.

During her first classroom sessions on 24 February, Bella worked with both Year 8 and Year 12 students. In Year 8, lessons focused on learning numbers in Bahasa Indonesia, where she supported pronunciation practice and encouraged active participation through counting exercises. Meanwhile, Year 12 students focused on practical communication skills, learning how to order food and express preferences in Bahasa Indonesia. Through guided dialogue and real-life scenarios, Bella helped students build confidence in using the language in everyday situations.

Her second visit on 6 March strengthened these foundations, particularly with Year 8 students. Through repetition and interactive exercises, students improved their understanding and pronunciation of numbers. To complement the lesson, Bella also introduced Indonesian snacks, creating a relaxed, enjoyable cultural moment that connected language learning to everyday Indonesian experiences.

By her third visit on 24 March, the program had expanded to include more immersive cultural activities. One of the highlights was the ‘Lomba Makan Kerupuk’ (Cracker-Eating Competition), which brought energy and excitement into the classroom while introducing students to traditional Indonesian celebrations.

Throughout April, Bella’s engagement continued with a series of interactive cultural games, including ‘Memasukkan Pensil ke dalam Botol’ (Pen-in-Bottle Challenge), ‘Lomba Estafet Sarung’ (Sarong Relay) and ‘Lomba Balap Karung’ (Sack Race). These activities not only increased student participation but also provided a fun and memorable way for students to experience Indonesian culture beyond the textbook.

With the ongoing support of Ibu Jess Holiday, Bella established a strong and positive presence at Woolooware High School. Her contributions helped students practise Bahasa Indonesia in meaningful ways while fostering greater curiosity and appreciation for Indonesian culture.

The enthusiasm surrounding these activities was also reflected on Woolooware High School’s official Instagram account, where the school expressed its appreciation for Bella’s presence and thanked her for organising such fun cultural activities.

Bella’s journey at Woolooware High School reflects the core mission of the ILLA Program, bringing language to life through cultural exchange, interactive learning and meaningful connections. Her engagement has laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration and highlights the value of Indonesian language learning in Australian schools.