UNS – Students of Community Service program from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta’s Group 157, stationed in Genilangit Village, Poncol District, Magetan Regency, have successfully implemented various innovative and inspiring educational programs. Two standout programs are “Belajar Bersama: Eksplorasi Warisan Budaya Lokal” (Learning Together: Exploring Local Cultural Heritage) and “Edukasi Ecoprint sebagai Inovasi Kreatif dan Ramah Lingkungan” (Ecoprint Education as a Creative and Environmentally Friendly Innovation). Additionally, four other programs were equally engaging and educational: “Mini Lava Lamp Experiment,” “Children’s Rights Awareness Socialization,” “Traditional Ice Cream Making,” and “MERUHI (Melek Huruf Hijaiyah, or Hijaiyah Literacy Awareness).” These activities were conducted under the guidance of Dr. Siti Khoiriyah, S.Si., M.Si. as a field supervisor.
The “Learning Together: Exploring Local Cultural Heritage” program targeted fifth-grade students at SDN 1 Genilangit. This initiative aimed to encourage students to learn about and appreciate their local culture. The activities began with an introduction to various traditions unique to Genilangit Village, such as Pager Desa, the Wuku Galungan tradition, Tongling Music, the Rampak Tongling Pringgowulung Creative Dance, and the 1.000 Tumpeng Parade.
“Through an interactive approach, students not only listened to the presenters but also actively participated in understanding these cultural values,” Dina Retno Wulandari, member of KKN Group 157 and the person in charge of this activity, said.
To reinforce understanding, students engaged in team games tournaments using specially designed puzzles and flashcards. This approach successfully increased student enthusiasm, making it easier for them to absorb the material. As a result, students not only gained cultural knowledge but also improved their critical thinking and teamwork skills.
The second highlighted program was “Ecoprint Education as a Creative and Environmentally Friendly Innovation”. Aimed at third-grade students at SDN 1 Genilangit, this program introduced the fabric-dyeing technique using natural materials, while instilling environmental awareness from an early age.
The activity began with a basic introduction to ecoprinting, where students learned about natural materials like leaves and flowers that could be used. After grasping the basic concepts, students were guided to practice the ecoprint technique by creating designs on tote bags. “This program not only enhances students’ creativity but also introduces them to environmentally friendly activities,” Aida Nuraini explained in a statement to uns.ac.id on Wednesday (14/8/2028).
Sri Asmini, the Principal of SDN 1 Genilangit, expressed her gratitude for the KKN UNS activities at the elementary school level, noting the benefits for the students, particularly at SDN 1 Genilangit. She added that the work programs play a significant role in advancing education.
“The programs were very well-designed and implemented effectively. We hope that the service carried out by the KKN students in Genilangit Village, in particular, will be blessed with ease and smoothness by the Almighty,” Sri Asmini said.
In addition to the two main programs, KKN UNS students also organized four other education-focused initiatives. The “Building Creativity and Interest in Science for Elementary Students with a Mini Lava Lamp Experiment” provided fourth graders with the opportunity to be creative while learning basic scientific principles. Meanwhile, the program “I Am Free, I Am Valuable: Children’s Rights Awareness,” aimed at sixth graders, sought to raise awareness of their rights as children. Equally engaging was the “Traditional Ice Cream Making” program, where fifth graders learned while having fun, creating ice cream in a unique and enjoyable way. Lastly, the MERUHI (Hijaiyah Literacy Awareness) program focused on teaching the basics of Hijaiyah letters at the Taman Pendidikan Al-Qur’an, with the goal of enhancing understanding through an interactive and enjoyable approach.
HUMAS UNS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
