UMS Pharmacy Students Lead Village Development Initiative

Developing villages is a collective effort to empower students and strengthen youth soft skills and professionalism

The village development program is one of the flagship initiatives of the Social and Community Relations Division of the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) for the 2024 term. Held every six months, the program recently took place in Potronayan Village, Boyolali, Central Java.

Triana Ariska Dewi, a representative of the organizing committee, explained that this year's program adopted the theme, “Let’s Take the Moment to Make a Better Environment.” The theme was chosen to raise awareness among the residents of Potronayan Village and the students of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Muhammadiyah 01 Potronayan about the issue of stunting.

“We hope that the villagers of Potronayan and the students of MIM 01 Potronayan can apply the knowledge shared by the speakers. The program was conducted face-to-face under the guidance of assigned committee members,” said Triana on Saturday (28/12/2024).

The village development program serves as a community service initiative. According to Triana, community service is a mandatory program for both lecturers and students, conducted based on the principles of academic competence, entrepreneurial spirit, and professionalism. These principles aim to produce high-quality, relevant, and synergistic community service programs that enhance community empowerment.

“This activity was also enhanced by volunteers from the general student body of the Faculty of Pharmacy at UMS. It successfully instilled a sense of empathy and care among the students, as well as improved their soft skills in fostering community empowerment during the Potronayan Village Development program,” she elaborated.

On behalf of the BEM Faculty of Pharmacy, Triana expressed the hope that the program could be conducted annually due to its significant benefits to the local community. She emphasized that such initiatives encourage students to be more aware and involved in addressing local issues.

Writer: Maysali

Translator: Rizal

Editor: Gede