sdgs#17 – partnerships for the goals

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sdgs#17 – partnerships for the goals

UGM KKN-PPM Team in Mengwi, Bali Partners with John Fawcett Foundation to Provide Free Eye Exams, Glasses, and Cataract Surgery

article good practices sdgs sdgs#1 - no poverty sdgs#15 - life on land sdgs#17 - partnerships for the goals sdgs#3 - good health and well-being sdgs#5 - gender equality Thursday, 20 March 2025

The community of Baha Village attending Free Healthcare Event organized by UGM KKN-PPM students and John Fawcett Foundation

The KKN-PPM students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), performing student community service in the Mengwi area of Bali, collaborated with the John Fawcett Foundation (JFF) to organize a series of free eye exams, glasses distribution, and cataract surgeries for the community of Baha Village on July 16^th, 2024. Supported by various stakeholders, including the presence of the Badung Regency Secretary, this initiative is part of a broader effort to improve eye health, particularly for elderly patients. This program is also aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on ensuring good health and well-being for all, particularly addressing health issues in older populations.

Providing Free Healthcare to the Community

The event served 220 residents from Desa Baha and surrounding areas, offering free eye exams and glasses to those in need. After undergoing the initial screenings, ten individuals were identified as requiring cataract surgery, which was performed free of charge by the medical team from JFF. In addition to the surgery, patients also received post-operative care at Wantilan Pura Dalem, Desa Baha, ensuring comprehensive treatment and follow-up support.

Angelica Callysta Viera, the coordinator of the KKN-PPM team in Mengwi, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration. “We are extremely grateful to JFF for facilitating the free cataract surgeries, and our hope is that this program can improve the quality of life for the local community,” she shared.

A Long-term Impact on Community Health

Echoing Angelica’s sentiments, Nengah Sariase, the Screening Coordinator for JFF, added, “We are pleased to collaborate on this social service activity, and we hope that the cataract treatment program can continue in the future.” The collaborative spirit of this initiative highlights the importance of partnerships in driving long-term health improvements in underserved communities.

The event met high enthusiasm and appreciation from the local residents of Desa Baha. One of the cataract surgery patients, Ibu Uripah, expressed her heartfelt thanks, saying, “I feel relieved after the surgery. This program is wonderful, and the service was very friendly. Thank you to JFF and KKN UGM.”

A Lasting Collaboration for Health Improvement

This event is expected to begin an ongoing partnership between the KKN-PPM UGM team and the John Fawcett Foundation, focusing on sustainable healthcare improvements for Desa Baha and surrounding communities. By continuing such programs, both organizations aim to create lasting positive impacts on the health and well-being of the population, particularly for the elderly, and contribute to the achievement of SDG 3, which seeks to ensure access to essential health services and promote well-being at all ages.

The healthcare professional is examining one of the patients from Baha Village

Contributing to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

This initiative directly supports SDG 3 by improving eye health and providing access to crucial healthcare services for a vulnerable segment of the population. By offering free medical treatments, including cataract surgeries and follow-up care, the program addresses critical health needs and enhances the quality of life for elderly residents. The focus on accessible healthcare and well-being is a key step towards building a healthier, more inclusive society.

Invitation for Global Participation

UGM invites international students, especially those studying healthcare, social sciences, and community development, to engage in future KKN-PPM programs. Students will be able to work with local communities and global partners to improve health outcomes and promote sustainable development. Professors are also welcome to visit UGM to explore the impact of such programs and guide students in contributing to life-changing initiatives.

Tags: SDGS 1:Tanpa Kemiskinan SDGS 17: Kemitraan untuk mencapai tujuan SDGS 3 : Kehidupan Sehat dan Sejahtera SDGS 5 : SDG 5: Ekosistem daratan

Author: bil

Contributor: Muh. Bagus Kurniawan

Photos: Gifto Ramadha

KKN-PPM Students of UGM in Jatiyoso Boosts Education with ‘Treasure Hunt’ Activity Focused on Geography Learning and Disaster Mitigation for Elementary Students

article good practices sdgs sdgs#15 - life on land sdgs#17 - partnerships for the goals sdgs#4 - quality education sdgs#5 - gender equality Thursday, 20 March 2025

A group of students from the KKN-PPM UGM program in Jatiyoso, Karanganyar, Central Java, has shown their commitment to enhancing education for elementary school students in the villages of Tlobo and Karangsari through a creative school introduction activity on July 22, 2024. The event, which involved supplementary lessons and activities, aimed to increase students’ knowledge and foster creativity. This initiative aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The KKN-PPM UGM students introduced various engaging subjects, including eco-printing, volcanic eruption simulations, making ice cream, an introduction to agricultural products, and raising awareness about the importance of setting goals from a young age. These activities were designed to enrich the student’s academic knowledge and nurture their creativity and curiosity. Beyond classroom activities, outdoor games were also incorporated to stimulate the children’s cognitive and motor skills. One highlight was the Treasure Hunt, an exciting game encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.

The students were divided into small groups of 3-4 children, each tasked with completing three different stations to collect points and discover hidden treasures. These stations focused on disaster mitigation, world geography, and mathematical challenges. At the disaster mitigation station, students learned about various natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, and how to protect themselves during such events. The geography station tested their knowledge of countries and continents using a world map, helping them develop a broader understanding of global geography. Finally, the math treasure station challenged the students to solve math problems as a team within 10 minutes, promoting collaboration and critical thinking. Each station provided valuable knowledge and honed students’ teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

As a culmination of the event, the winning group—who collected the most points—was awarded exciting prizes. This fun yet educational experience aimed to motivate the students to remain enthusiastic about learning and to inspire them to pursue their dreams for a brighter future. The KKN-PPM UGM team hopes that through these engaging educational activities, the students of Tlobo and Karangsari will continue to strive for academic excellence and develop the confidence to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Empowering Future Generations: Supporting SDG 4

This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting creativity, critical thinking, and practical learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom settings. By offering these enriching activities, the KKN-PPM UGM team is helping students to develop a diverse skill set that will benefit them in their academic and personal lives. The ability to adapt to and engage with new ideas is crucial for success in the rapidly changing world, and this program aims to lay the foundation for a generation of learners who are prepared to thrive in a globalized society.

Moreover, the event encouraged a collaborative approach to learning, emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, and peer support. These skills are essential for academic success and social and emotional development, which is integral to achieving SDG 4’s goal of providing quality education for all children, irrespective of their background.

Inspiring Future Educators and Students

The success of this initiative highlights the potential for community-based programs to make a tangible difference in the lives of young learners. The KKN-PPM UGM students’ efforts are a great example of how academic institutions can play an active role in developing local communities while also preparing students to be global citizens who understand the importance of education in shaping sustainable futures. Through hands-on, engaging educational projects like this one, the program also offers valuable learning experiences for the participants, who gain practical insights into how they can continue to contribute to society in the future.

A Call to Global Students and Educators

UGM encourages international undergraduate students to join the KKN-PPM program and become a part of transformative initiatives like this one. Students from all around the world will have the opportunity to engage in community-based educational projects, working directly with local populations to make a lasting impact. This hands-on experience allows students to not only share their knowledge but also learn from the unique perspectives and challenges faced by communities in Indonesia. Additionally, UGM welcomes international professors to visit and explore these programs, offering guidance to their students while participating in meaningful educational outreach efforts. By joining KKN-PPM, participants will gain invaluable experiences while contributing to achieving SDG 4 and other global development goals.

Tags: SDGS 17: Kemitraan untuk mencapai tujuan SDGS 4: Pendidikan Berkualitas SDGS 5 : SDG 5: Ekosistem daratan

Author: bil

Contributors: Dilla Meylia, Fauzia Erbin, Dn_Halimah

Photos: Amalia Vega

Universitas Gadjah Mada Explores Cross-Cultural Collaboration with the Royal University of Groningen through KKN-PPM Program

article good practices KKN International Program sdgs#11 - sustainable cities and communities sdgs#17 - partnerships for the goals sdgs#8 - decent work and economic growth Friday, 14 February 2025

The Royal University of Groningen (RUG) from the Netherlands recently visited Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to explore and survey UGM’s Student Community Service Program, known as KKN-PPM (Kuliah Kerja Nyata – Pembelajaran Pemberdayaan Masyarakat). During their visit, representatives from RUG aimed to learn more about the program, its impact, and the potential for collaboration in future KKN activities.
The RUG delegation consisted of Dr. B.J.W. (Bartjan) Pennink, an expert in qualitative research methodology, local economic research development, and team management dialogue, and J.C. (John) Falvey, MA, who specializes in international strategy and relations at the University of Groningen. They were welcomed by UGM representatives, including Prof. Ir. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D., former Director of Community Service at UGM, and Prof. Nanung Agus Fitriyanto, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM, the Head of UGM’s KKN Program.

Head of UGM’s KKN Program Prof. Nanung Agus Fitriyanto, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., when he was explaining how the community in Demangan Village – Subdistrict Gondokusuman used inactive alley in their area to plant Javanese Chili that has selling value.

Field Visits and Program Highlights

The RUG team visited several KKN sites in Yogyakarta and Gunu

ngkidul Districts, including Subdistrict Gondokusuman and Subdistrict Depok (Yogyakarta District), as well as Subdistrict Ngawen and Subdistrict Nglipar (Gunungkidul District). They also explored a site in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. During these visits, UGM students presented their ongoing community-based programs, sharing insights into village potentials and the challenges they encountered while working in rural settings.
One of the standout programs in Subdistrict Ngawen, specifically in Gunung Gambar village, focused on helping the local community develop their coffee production. UGM students worked closely with villagers to enhance the quality and marketability of their coffee, aiming to position it as a premium product with high economic value. During the visit, the local community also invited the professors to plant coffee trees as a symbolic gesture to strengthen the recognition of Gunung Gambar’s coffee and to represent their shared commitment to fostering sustainable local development. The visiting professors had the opportunity to taste the coffee and praised its exceptional flavor, noting its potential to boost local income.

UGM KKN students in Gunung Gambar presented about their programs and its challenges during their KKN periode.

Strengthening International Collaboration

The University of Groningen expressed keen interest in sending their students to participate in KKN-PPM alongside UGM students. According to Dr. Bartjan Pennink, “This program showcases how academic initiatives can directly empower communities while providing students with hands-on learning experiences. Partnering in such a program aligns perfectly with our goals to promote sustainable development through education.”

Building on the discussion around the program’s potential, Prof. Nanung Agus Fitriyanto highlighted the significance of the visit: “The collaboration with the University of Groningen could enrich the KKN experience, allowing for cross-cultural learning and the exchange of ideas. It’s an opportunity for students to learn from diverse perspectives while addressing real-world challenges.”
Prof. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada added, “Students should not merely act under the banner of ‘anything that helps.’ Instead, their efforts must align with their knowledge and skills to ensure meaningful contributions. By focusing on areas where they can truly make a difference, we can maximize the impact of their work and prevent wasted potential.”

UGM students also shared their reflections on the unexpected moments during KKN. One student noted, “Building emotional connections with the community was something I never anticipated. Living and working alongside them taught me about their resilience and kindness, which changed my outlook on people.” Another highlighted, “Even small actions can have a big impact. Simple gestures of gratitude from the community were deeply moving and motivating.”
When asked about the prospect of having international students join their KKN teams, UGM students expressed enthusiasm, noting that the experience would be a mutual learning process. “Even we, as Indonesians, have to adapt to the local languages and customs during KKN. Having international students join would just add another layer of learning,” one student explained.

The visiting professors had the opportunity to taste the coffee of Gunung Gambar and praised its exceptional flavor.

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The KKN-PPM program at UGM aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to achieving Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by enhancing local coffee production and creating market opportunities that support sustainable economic growth for rural communities. Additionally, it promotes Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by fostering community resilience and addressing local challenges while leveraging the potential of villages. Furthermore, the program exemplifies Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the collaboration between UGM and the University of Groningen, showcasing how such partnerships can amplify the impact of educational initiatives on sustainable development.

dr. Bartjan Pennink discussed with the UGM KKN student from Subdistrict Nglipar, Gunungkidul and its supervisor about the ways to ensure their programs continue to benefit the community after the KKN period end.

The UGM KKN students, the local community of Gunung Gambar, and the visiting professors took a picture together after planting coffee trees as a symbolic gesture to strengthen the recognition of Gunung Gambar’s coffee

Looking Ahead

The University of Groningen’s visit marks a significant step toward enhancing UGM’s KKN-PPM program with global perspectives. By integrating students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, both universities aim to create a more impactful and enriching community service program that remains locally rooted while gaining global recognition for its effectiveness. With the program set to conclude on February 7, 2024, the partnership discussions between UGM and RUG offer hope for a long-lasting collaboration that bridges academic institutions and communities across borders.

As part of its ongoing efforts to foster global collaboration, UGM invites international students, especially undergraduates, and professors, to get involved in the KKN-PPM program. Students from around the world can join this hands-on initiative, gaining valuable experience while making a real impact in local communities. Professors are also welcome to visit UGM to explore the program firsthand and guide their students as they take part in this unique opportunity. Through participation in KKN-PPM, students and professors alike will have the chance to make a tangible impact on sustainable development while broadening their global outlook in an impactful and meaningful way. [author: bil; photos: bil; post:ZR]

Developing Innovative Technology to Achieve Good Governance in Village Administration

sdgs#17 - partnerships for the goals sdgs#9 - industry, innovation and infrastructure Thursday, 20 June 2024

The SCS-CEL team from Universitas Gadjah Mada created a Village Administration Application for managing correspondence letters in Mantigola Village. This application generates letters and sends them to the Mantigola Village’s email, adhering to the village’s specific format and sequential numbering. It also archives village’s letters and documents. The program has been demonstrated to village officials and is expected to help administrative processes in Mantigola Village.

Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi – KKN-PPM Universitas Gadjah Mada (Students Community Services) has developed a Village Administration Application designed to manage the correspondence letters in Mantigola Village, Wakatobi. This innovative application technology generates letters and sends them to the village’s email, adhering to the specific format and sequential numbering required by the village. Additionally, the application archives the village’s letters and documents, making it easier for officials to access and manage important documents.
Through cooperation with civil society partners, this program has been demonstrated to village officials, showcasing its functionality and potential benefits for the administrative processes in Mantigola Village. With its user-friendly interface and efficient features, the Village Administration Application is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative tasks in Mantigola Village. By digitizing and automating the correspondence management process, the application reduces the time and effort required for handling letters, allowing village officials to allocate their resources more effectively towards other priority areas of governance and community development.
The implementation of this technology represents a forward-looking approach towards modernizing administrative practices in Mantigola Village. By embracing communication technologies and access to the internet, the village administration demonstrates its commitment to embracing innovation and technology-driven progress to improve service delivery and governance outcomes for the benefit of its residents. This application embodies the dedication and commitment of KKN-PPM UGM students to empowering local communities through impactful technological solutions.

Author: Anugrah Sasi Raya
Unit code: SG003