In Lumbungrejo Village, Tempel District, Sleman, 28 UGM students from several faculties are working on programs to lessen poverty and prevent childhood stunting as part of the Community Service (KKN-PPM). Three of the 28 pupils are from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
Moe (20) from Myanmar expressed joy and pride in joining the KKN. Moe is not yet fluent in Indonesian and Javanese, so Moe received assistance from colleagues to interact with the villagers.
“I believe this is a very memorable experience for me,” said Moe, currently studying at the UGM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, on Friday (21/7).
During their interactions and collaboration with the villagers, Moe was assisted by the village officials, such as the village head and community leaders, in implementing programs to reduce childhood stunting, develop MSMEs, and develop tourist destinations in the Krasak River area.
“We were warmly welcomed, and I was taught to say ‘matur nuwun’ (thank you),” Moe added.
Moe also mentioned that the team’s work programs are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDGs 1 and 2 on no poverty and zero hunger.
Synna Nor, a 20-year-old international relations student from the Philippines, echoed the same sentiment. She picked up some Javanese to help her communicate with the locals. Her participation in KKN allowed her to immerse herself in the local culture.
Synna’s work program concentrates on sustainable tourism development, which can foster the growth of MSMEs and job opportunities.
“This program is not limited to one KKN activity; it can be continued in future KKN programs,” she added.
Lumbungrejo Village Head, Misbah Alhakim, stated that the work programs run by the students align with the village’s development goals.
“Our priority is to address stunted growth and prevent children from being affected. We hope their future will be better regarding nutrition and health,” Alhakim said.
He added that the programs also focus on developing tourist destinations along the Krasak River.
“We hope this KKN activity can make Lumbungrejo a tourist village. Economically, it will improve the welfare of the residents,” he added.
During the event, he expressed the villagers’ joy in receiving the students, especially those from other countries.
“Every Friday and Saturday, the UGM students teach the children. I’m worried that these children will feel a loss when they leave. I propose that our youth organization continue the work programs,” he said.
Vice-Rector for Education and Learning, Professor Wening Udasmoro, expressed appreciation and gratitude to the village officials who have received and assisted the UGM students during this KKN activity.
“Thank you to the officials of Tempel for accepting and guiding the students to learn and apply what they have learned at the campus,” she said.
According to Professor Udasmoro, the students’ programs align with the SDGs related to ending hunger through childhood stunting reduction, poverty alleviation through MSMEs development, and sustainable tourism development to stimulate the local economy and preserve the ecosystem.
“The various programs carried out by the students strengthen the aspects of SDGs. We hope that what the students do can benefit the local community,” the vice-rector concluded.
Author and Photographer: Gusti Grehenson