UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has many excellent students who have achieved academic achievements and serving the community. Shoffan Mujahid from the Development Economics Program Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UNS falls under this category. Shoffan established a school for children from financially disadvantaged families in Surakarta outskirt.
Sekolah Generasi Indonesia (Indonesian Generation School) is an implementation of Bersamabisa.id community program. The community itself is also established by Shoffan Mujahid. On Sunday (22/8/2021) uns.ac.id team was invited by Shoffan Mujahid to attend the inauguration of Sekolah Generasi Indonesia in RT 03/ RW 36 Mipitan Hamlet, Mojosongo, Jebres, Surakarta.
In the interview, the 2019 Batch student stated that the school aims to increase knowledge, shape noble characters, improve soft skills, and support a formal school for children living on the river banks. The school is a free school for marginalized urban people, the financially disadvantaged outskirt regions. Shoffan also added that he is moved to establish the school from his heart calling as an educated person.
“The responsibility as an educated person, including to shape more educated people,” he said.
Shoffan Mujahid explained that before establishing the school, Bersamabisa.id community conducted a survey and planning for school establishment beside the railroad track in Nusukan market, Surakarta, but then the plan was revised because there was an institution proposing to implement the program in the selected area.
“Then we handed it (the project) and moved here (the current location). Then we look for assessment here, and the access is closer, the people need it more, and the place is strategic, near a mosque and a field,” he said.
The preparation for this school was detailed, and the team has appointed a headmaster and opened recruitment for a volunteer to be placed in the school organizational structure. Shoffan Mujahid explained that the recruitment was opened in July 2021, and they selected dozens of volunteers. Therefore, the school organizational structure is complete. The school has a steering committee (SC), headmaster, vice-headmaster, and teaching staff. “In total, there are 45 (volunteers). They have a functional position but also have the right to teach,” he added.
Concerning the funding for Sekolah Generasi Indonesia, Shoffan mentioned that his team received support from the Director of Academic Reputation and Student Affairs UNS, Dr. Sutanto, who provided monetary supports and acted as supervisor for the school. The support was provided due to the match in their vision and missions, and the Director contacted Shoffan directly to discuss the school.
“Fortunately, we got a little funding from the rectorate, especially from Pak Sutanto. But it can come every year, and we will raise funds independently from the website,” he explained.
Concluding the interview with the uns.ac.id, Shoffan shared that he hopes Sekolah Generasi Indonesia could be a sustainable program from Bersamabisa.id community.
“Thus, this is a sustainable program that will become a legacy from all of my fellows and there always be a regeneration periodically, and my fellows have an opportunity to be here, from various faculties, programs, regions, and backgrounds or competencies could serve the community,” Shoffan Mujahid concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti