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

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

The villages of Seurapong, Ulee Paya, and Teunom, nestled on the picturesque and remote Breuh Island, are a part of the Pulo Aceh District of Aceh Besar Regency, within the Aceh Province of Indonesia. This island, the westernmost part of Indonesia, is a stunning blend of hilly terrain, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and lush landscapes, making it a unique and beautiful place to live.

The inhabitants of Teunom, Seurapong, and Ulee Paya primarily engage in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries, forming the backbone of their local economy. In the agricultural sector, rice stands out as the primary commodity produced for local consumption. Despite the community’s reliance on agriculture, the management and productivity of agricultural products remain suboptimal. Challenges such as limited arable land, difficult irrigation, and insufficient agricultural knowledge and skills among the residents hinder their ability to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. As a result, the villagers often find themselves dependent on sourcing vegetables from outside their immediate area to meet their daily nutritional needs.

Recognizing these challenges, a dedicated student team from the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) Unit AC002 of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) took the initiative to collaborate with the local community during the second period of KKN-PPM program in 2023. Their mission was to empower the residents by enhancing their agricultural skills and introducing sustainable practices that could improve their quality of life.

One of the key initiatives undertaken by Unit AC002 was the introduction of aquaponic systems. This innovative approach aimed to maximize the use of limited land by combining cultivating vegetables, such as water spinach, with raising catfish in a symbiotic environment. The aquaponic systems provided a sustainable solution to the problem of limited agricultural land while also offering a reliable source of nutritious food for the community. This also supports sustainable development goals, especially goal 15: Life on Land, since aquaponics does not rely on soil, eliminating soil depletion and maintaining the integrity of terrestrial ecosystems. Also, it supports sustainable agriculture as it combines fish farming (aquaculture) and plant cultivation (hydroponics) in a closed-loop system. This maximizes resource use efficiency, utilizing less water and land compared to traditional farming. Aquaponics contributes to the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, aligns with the goals of reducing land degradation, promotes biodiversity, and supports sustainable agricultural practices. 

In addition to addressing agricultural challenges, Unit AC002 also focused on improving the community’s access to clean water. They assisted in creating water purifiers, which played a crucial role in maintaining and ensuring a consistent supply of clean water for daily use. Access to clean water is fundamental for the residents’ health and well-being. Thus, the UGM KKN-PPM student team’s efforts were instrumental in supporting the community’s needs. It also supports SDG Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Creating and maintaining water purifiers can be a community-driven initiative, involving local participation in the development, implementation, and maintenance of water purification systems. This enhances community ownership and ensures the sustainability of clean water access.

The collaboration between the UGM KKN-PPM students and the villagers of Breuh Island exemplifies the power of knowledge sharing and community engagement. By working together, they addressed immediate challenges and laid the foundation for a more sustainable and self-reliant future for the residents of Seurapong, Ulee Paya, and Teunom. This partnership highlights the importance of education, innovation, and community support in driving positive change in remote and underserved areas.

Dikson Ibrahim Nusi, the head of Tontayuo village, expressed deep gratitude for his village being selected as a location for the Community Service Program (KKN) by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Universitas Negeri Gorontalo (UNG). Since June 27, 2023, the students from these universities have been actively involved in a variety of projects designed to benefit the local community.

Among the notable initiatives, the creation of a tourism master plan stands out as a significant contribution. This plan aims to develop the village’s tourism potential, providing a structured approach to attract visitors and boost the local economy (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth). Additionally, the development of a village website is another critical project, offering a digital platform to showcase the village’s assets, disseminate information, and connect with a broader audience (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

The students have also undertaken the task of recording village potentials, an effort that involves documenting the unique resour

ces and strengths of Tontayuo. This initiative is crucial for identifying areas that can be leveraged for future development and support (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Safitri Dwi Lestari, a UGM student participating in the KKN program, shared her positive experience. She highlighted the warm reception from the community and the collaborative spirit that has defined their stay. The interaction with local residents has not only facilitated the implementation of their projects but also enriched the students’ learning experience by providing practical insights and fostering mutual

understanding (SDG 4: Quality Education).

The collaborative KKN program is scheduled to continue until August 9, 2023, encompassing a range of activities. These include education on early marriage, aimed at raising awareness about the implications and promoting informed decision-making among young people (SDG 5: Gender Equality). Environmental conservation projects are also a key focus, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices and the preservation of natural resources (SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land).

This blend of educational outreach and practical projects underscores the program’s holistic approach, aiming not only to address immediate needs but also to lay a foundation for long-term community empowerment. The gratitude expressed by the village head, Dikson Ibrahim Nusi, is a testament to the positive impact of the KKN program, highlighting the potential for academic-community partnerships to drive meaningful change.

For more details, visit Berita Gorontalo.