Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) recently hosted the “Fun Learning Seminar: Open to All” on October 26, 2024, at the Rev. Dr. Rudi Budiman Lecture Hall. This seminar, part of UKDW’s 62nd-anniversary celebration, centered around the theme of inclusivity—a core element of UKDW’s vision to foster an educational environment that is both inclusive and sustainable. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Itje Chodidjah, M.A., Chair of the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO, and Vania Sharleen Setyono, M.Si., Teol, a lecturer in UKDW’s Humanities Department.
In her opening remarks, UKDW Rector Dr.-Ing. Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T., highlighted the importance of ensuring that education is accessible to all. “This theme challenges us to make educational opportunities available to everyone. While achieving inclusivity is complex, UKDW’s efforts in this area are commendable. Our work aligns with SDG 4, which calls for quality education that is equitable and inclusive. We believe that education should leave no one behind,” she stated.
Dr. Itje focused on learning as a lifelong journey, beginning from infancy. “We are all born to learn. Infants start by detecting sounds, observing, and forming hypotheses about their environment. As they grow, children develop analytical skills and respond to new experiences,” she explained, underscoring the value of education that supports cognitive and emotional growth.
She also highlighted the role of families and schools in nurturing individual potential, especially during early stages. “Learning outcomes shape an individual’s decision-making abilities, which can be deeply enriched through interactive guidance. Developing critical thinking skills is more impactful than simple memorization, as learning strengthens cognitive capabilities, enabling us to navigate complex challenges thoughtfully and effectively.”
The seminar emphasized creating “fun learning” experiences to engage students from all backgrounds. This approach, Dr. Itje noted, helps cultivate well-rounded individuals who are comfortable interacting with people from diverse communities and backgrounds.
Reflecting on UKDW’s 62 years of academic excellence, Dr. Itje expressed her hope that the institution would continue its commitment to shaping resilient Indonesian graduates, ready to lead meaningful lives in society. UKDW, she said, remains dedicated to creating opportunities for all learners to thrive both physically and psychologically.
Vania Sharleen Setyono, M.Si., Teol, shared her insights into inclusive education, drawing from both her personal learning journey and teaching experiences at UKDW. Vania highlighted the importance of making education accessible, regardless of a student’s background. Her #bisabelajarbisa (everyone can learn) initiative reinforces UKDW’s mission to offer a platform for all students to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully. Echoing Dr. Itje’s insights, Vania underscored that learning is a lifelong pursuit. “Creating engaging and inclusive learning environments requires a collective effort, not only from educators but also from students. We are all lifelong learners,” she concluded. [humasukdw/trans.drr]