[Unpad.ac.id, 1/07/2013] Just this Monday morning, as many as 60 buses were parked neatly along the road around Unpad Basic Science Service Center (PPBS) Jatinangor, ready to dispatch 1214 students to get engaged on the 2013’s Unpad Student Community Service (KKNM) period of July.
In the spirit of welcoming the month of Ramadhan, at the official departure ceremony, the Head of Unpad Institute of Research and Public Services (LPPM), Prof. Dr. Wawan Hermawan, MS., urged the students to create an atmosphere of understanding and tolerance during their service in the local communities, warming to the theme of KKNM Unpad, “Learning from/in The Community.”
“The word “learning” here must be deeply reflected. Not passive learning, but the students must actively learn, observe and come up with ideas to deal with the problems they will face in the location.” Not only that, but the students should also be able to explore and promote the potentials that the local areas offer, which at the end of KKNM, will result in a group writing report to submit. Besides that, each student is expected to foster the spirit of Alma Mater and maintain the good name of the University. “If they do well, it would help keep up the University positive image, ” Prof. Wawan explained.
There are six regencies in West Java that become the destinations of this year’s Unpad Student Community Service, i.e. Tasikmalaya, Ciamis, Garut, Indramayu, Cianjur, dan Sukabumi, with a total of 66 villages of 14 sub-districts. In addition, 33 Field Supervisors (DPL) have also been assigned to work, each in charged of two locations.
This year’s Student Community Service (KKNM) is divided into two categories: Integrative KKNM and Thematic KKNM. Thematic KKNM is implemented in collaboration with West Java provincial government, while Thematic KKN specifically addresses the theme of “Improving the optimization of potential local resources towards a healthy community and self-sufficient economy.” There are several locations in which Thematic KKNM will take place this year, one district in Cianjur, one district in Garut, two districts in Indramayu, and three districts in Sukabumi.
One of the participants, Novianti, said that she has prepared herself for the KKNM this year, which coincides with the fasting month of Ramadhan. “This will be the first time I spend the whole month of Ramadahan away from my parents. But I’ll try to enjoy it. I’ll make new friends and get to see a new place. I think It”ll be fun.” she said.
Another paticipant, Eri, a student of Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, brought something interesting for KKNM, an electric fan. “I will be placed in Indramayu. It’s very hot in there, especially during the fasting month. So I brought an electric fan to keep myself chill. Well, you know” he said.
