Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta hosted an International Service Learning (ISL) program with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) this July. The program, which includes themes of health (ISL-Health) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (ISL-STEM), aims to enhance academic perspectives and introduce innovative technologies to a global audience.
The ISL program highlights the role of higher education in contributing to community well-being by preserving and enhancing local wisdom. The program encourages interdisciplinary student groups to actively participate in improving the quality of life. Collaborating with international students and engaging directly with communities also helps students develop independent and sustainable living skills.
The program will see 64 PolyU students and 62 UKDW students working in Kalurahan Argorejo, Kapanewon Sedayu, Bantul for ISL-Health, and at SD Teruna Bangsa and SD Kalam Kudus for ISL-STEM.
Dr. Freddy Marihot Rotua Nainggolan, S.T., M.T., IAI., Head of the Institute of Research and Community Service (LPPM) at UKDW, explained that the selection of locations was based on their alignment with local government programs and the needs of beneficiaries. “The ISL-Health program supports Sedayu District’s Long-Term Development Plan (RPJP) by exploring local creative potential to enhance community competitiveness. It aims to address issues such as stunting and elderly health in Argorejo,” he said.
The ISL process begins with data collection, problem identification, and program formulation. Students then implement the program, analyze issues, propose solutions, and test results. “After the program, students must report their findings through presentations, activity reports, and social media or YouTube publications. The goal is to achieve a broad and positive impact,” Freddy added.
Willy Sudiarto Raharjo, S.Kom., M.Cs, Coordinator of Field Supervisors (DPL) for ISL-Health, noted that the diverse student involvement adds variety and depth to the activities. “We focus on three main areas: the elderly, mothers with children, and children themselves. For the elderly, we offer health checks, clean living education, joint exercise, and data management support. For mothers, we provide counseling and educational materials on stunting. For children, we conduct English learning support, competitions, waste sorting education, outdoor activities, and tutoring. We also offer programs for other village residents, such as youth health posts and dengue fever prevention education,” he said.
In contrast to ISL-Health, which focuses on “Local Wisdom-Based Community Empowerment: Healthy Lifestyle Challenges for Developing Communities,” ISL-STEM aims to introduce elementary students to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning using beginner-friendly open-source platforms. I Kadek Dendy Senapartha, S.T., M.Eng., and Dr. Loury Priskila, M. Biomed., DPL for ISL-STEM, will lead workshops to enhance STEM literacy among children by teaching Machine Learning and Block Programming. “Before heading to the field, students receive online coaching, workshops, and preparatory sessions with PolyU students to align their understanding. They will then conduct workshops at SD Teruna Bangsa and Kalam Kudus, ending with a competition for both schools,” Dendy said.
Renee Leung, Service-Learning and Leadership Office (SLLO) staff at PolyU, highlighted that the program also serves as a platform to promote STEM literacy among youth. “We hope the ISL-STEM program, themed ‘Technology Beyond Borders: Service Learning Across Cultures, Ethnicities, and Communities,’ will foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation, while also addressing the digital divide,” she added.
Renee, who is also the Program Coordinator, noted that PolyU chose UKDW due to its extensive experience in international collaborations and its successful track record with ISL programs since 2009. “PolyU has emphasized social responsibility by integrating academic studies with community service since 2012. We sought a partner with a proven track record in ISL, and UKDW has been an excellent partner. We look forward to continuing this collaboration,” Renee said.
Renee hopes the ISL program will have a broad and lasting impact. “UKDW has provided our students with valuable experience in applying their knowledge within Indonesian communities. We hope the ISL program will enhance community capabilities and ensure that the benefits of these programs are sustained over time,” she said. [ai/trans.drr]