Matana UM Surabaya Strengthens Student Literacy in Disaster Locations

Lailatun Ni'mah and Kumala Sari, students of the Elementary School Education Study Program (PGSD) at the University of Muhammadiyah Surabaya (UM Surabaya) who are members of the Disaster Response Students (MATANA) shared their experiences when they started teaching activities in disaster-affected locations as volunteers in the education sector. Monday (10/1/2022)

Lailatun, one of the students assigned to the education cluster section, shared her experience teaching 105 students in the educational emergency tent owned by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

"We were pleased when we received the offer to teach in the affected location, there were 105 elementary school students that we taught and provided motivation for, namely from SD 02 Sumpit Urang, Pronowijo Lumajang. One of the things that motivates me to be passionate about teaching is the students who are always enthusiastic and ask me to teach every day," explained Lailatun in a written statement.

Lailatun also added that apart from being a volunteer, she is learning to apply the knowledge she has learned directly in the community. Even though there are many challenges, the 5th semester students feel there are many benefits and lessons that can be learned.

"For the first days of teaching I was initially doubtful, but I gave motivational reinforcement to the children as well as learning games. Henceforth we will strengthen literacy, numeracy and storytelling to students. For now we are still looking for learning methods that are suitable for them," added Lailatun.

Head of LPPM UM Surabaya Dede Nasrullah said that Lailatun Ni'mah and Kumala Sari who had been dispatched to the disaster site were students requested by the Environmental and Disaster Management Council for Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership in East Java who asked for volunteers from Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD)

"Lailatun and Kumala will be assigned for 1 full month starting January 10 and will be placed at the East Java MDMC PWM service post located in Pronowijo Lumajang. Apart from sharing knowledge, I hope that both of them can take advantage of this opportunity as well as possible and can take lessons in every incident at the disaster site," said Dede.