Vice Rector of Alumni Affairs and Business Development of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. Ir. Atyanto Dharoko, M. Phil., Ph.D., officially opens the The 3rd DREaM International Students Summer Program at the UGM Hall on Sunday (26/6) evening. The opening is symbolically marked by the beating of the gong and followed by a welcoming dinner while enjoying Gambyong and Rapa’i Geleng (Saman) dance performances.
In his speech, Atyanto Dharoko welcomed well the activities as a means for the participants from different countries to learn and exchange experiences in order to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding. "Many of activities in this event are quite useful, one of them is to learn about community empowerment as part of the leadership process," said the man who is familiarly called Toni.
One of the themes raised in this third DREaM is social entrepreneurship. According to Toni, the selection of the theme is very appropriate and relevant to the needs of global society. Toni added the students are future leaders who need to learn many things. International student summer activity program is at least able to provide experience for participants in solving various problems faced by the world community. Moreover, international networks between the participants from various countries will be established. "I believe not only the participants who benefit directly, but also institutions and their respective countries," said Toni.
The activity that lasts for 10 days from 26 June to 5 July 2011 was attended by 68 foreign students from 18 countries, among others, Germany, Argentina, Malaysia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Russia, the United States, Belgium, and Vietnam. Met at the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Andreas Nugraha, division coordinator of the event, said social entrepreneurship is chosen to be one of the major themes in this year’s DREaM activity that aims to invite participants to know more deeply about the real problems faced by the society. "Participants learn management of social entrepreneurship to raise the existing potential in society," he said.
For 10 days, participants will get lectures from some experts, including Director of ASEAN Foundation, Makarim Wibisono, entrepreneur Martha Tilaar and Sandiaga S. Uno, as well as jungle school teacher, Butet Manurung. Furthermore, participants will also take part in internship in various NGOs and local communities in Yogyakarta. Participants also have the opportunity to review the activities of Community Empowerment Program Field Practice (KKN PPM) in Beji Village, Gunung Kidul. "In between activities, they are also invited to visit Sultan Palace, Malioboro and the Borobudur temple," he concluded.