North Sumatera, January 12, 2022
A team of 35 students, staff, and lecturers from Jakarta International University (JIU) successfully completed a week-long Community Service from January 6th – 12th in the villages of Pandiangan and Jumantuang in Dairi Regency, North Sumatra. aimed to address pressing social issues while fostering community engagement and support for local residents. Participants prepared for the mission by engaging in discussions and activities focused on understanding community needs and ensuring they were equipped for effective service.
Upon arrival, the team met with local government representatives to introduce their objectives and align activities with the community’s needs.
Despite enduring a 12-hour journey by land and air, the participants remained enthusiastic and eager to contribute. The hot weather and travel fatigue did not diminish their commitment to working with children and local residents. A key focus of the trip was to create an active and engaging learning environment for the children. JIU students developed innovative teaching strategies, incorporating informal activities such as games and songs to keep children motivated and enhance their learning experience. The children’s enthusiasm and smiles served as a testament to the success of these efforts. Participants also presented awards and gifts to the children to encourage them to remain dedicated to their studies, reinforcing the idea that hard work leads to success.
For JIU students, the Community Service provided invaluable insights into the realities of education in remote areas and highlighted the importance of creativity and contextual learning. The experience opened their minds to the value of sharing knowledge across different backgrounds, inspiring them to become better educators and role models. The Community Service motivated participants to contribute meaningfully to disadvantaged communities, encouraging educators to enhance their teaching skills and foster creativity in their approaches.
Through the success of this Community Service, Jakarta International University reaffirms its commitment to nurturing global citizens who embody compassion, humility, and service. This initiative demonstrates the university’s dedication to making a positive impact in communities while encouraging students to engage with diverse cultures and experiences. As participants reflect on their rewarding experience, JIU remains dedicated to continuing these efforts in the future, further expanding its outreach to provide support and resources to those in need.
