UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, through its Unit for Student Community Service Program (UPKKN) UNS, provided a briefing for UNS students on KKN Thematic for Rural Development on January-February 2022 Batch. The briefing was provided in UNS Auditorium and live-streamed through the Zoom Cloud Meeting and UPKKN UNS YouTube channel on Wednesday (12/1/2022).
On this occasion, Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs (WR I) UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., acted as Keynote Speaker and provided several messages for the students. Prof. Yunus explained that KKN Thematic is one of eight Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) programs for students that focus on rural development and offer several programs for students.
The first program is on the digitalization of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that have positive contributions to the rural local economy. Students were invited to assist the small businesses to reach the digital marketing arena and develop the business further. The second program is regarding the improvement of rural community welfare, especially in terms of poverty, high mother mortality during and post-birth, and stunting. The other programs are teaching, humanities and research-focused.
Prof. Yunus added that in this Thematic KKN, students have the flexibility to implement their program independently and flexible time implementation. To the attendees, Prof. Yunus stated that there would be a recognition team for each activity performed by students and regular funding for program implementations.
“Our (KKN) programs will be funded by UNS. Each group will be funded to implement its programs. Therefore, the Rector wanted that this rural development program could translate to the largest MBKM activities,” Prof. Yunus stated.
Other speakers from UNS were also invited to deliver materials on Digitalization, Poverty Alleviation, Learning Assistance, Humanities Projects, and Research. These topics were explained by Khresna Bayu Sangka, S.E., M.M., Ph.D. (Digitalization), Mei Tri Sundari, S.P., M.Si., (Poverty Alleviation), Dr. Suryadi Budi Utomo, M.Si., (Learning Assistance), Dr. Revi Gama Hatta Novika, SST., M.Kes., (Humanities Project), and M. Zukhrufus Zaman S.P., M.P., Ph.D., (Research). Humas UNS
Reporter: Rangga Pangestu Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti