Indonesia
Susan Toding, a student of the Study Program of Indonesian Language and Literature Education, Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) Universitas Brawijaya (UB) has participated in the Freedom to Learn-Independent Campus (MBKM) Program held by the government from March 22, 2021, to June 25, 2021, at SDN 04 Bunulrejo, Malang. Susan is one of several friends who participated in the MBKM program from FCS UB.
“Initially, the participants were divided into 7-8 people per group. However, due to the relocation of the elementary school, my group only consisted of me and a student from another university,” explained Susan.
Susan also added that there were two supervisors provided for each MBKM team, namely Field Supervisors (DPL) from other universities, and also a tutor provided by SDN 04 Bunulrejo to direct the MBKM team related to policies and activities in the school.
Susan added that there were three days of meetings that must be held by MBKM participants in a week. The MBKM period lasted for three months. In that period, several tasks must be carried out.
“We help teachers to teach students who have reading problems. In addition, we also help the officers to take care of school administration, such as the library department. On several occasions, we also became substitute teachers to teach in the classroom. Other tasks include helping clean up the school, correcting student grades, and being a test supervisor,” she said.
Susan experienced several difficulties in the MBKM Program which had been implemented during the teaching and learning process. Some of them were students who find it difficult to be orderly while teaching and learning activities, and also the intonation of students who were not clear when they were learning to read.
Susan felt that it was an unforgettable experience. She also added that not only met new friends but also gained new insights and knowledge from the MBKM Program. Not only teaching at the elementary school, but she also learned from the school and found the meaning of life.
“Hopefully this MBKM program can produce young leaders who are helpful for Indonesia, especially in terms of education,” she hoped. [VZ/DTS/MSH/PR FCS]