11 Sep 2024

Six Students of USD Participated in the 2024 Service Learning Program at Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines

After successfully sending 6 students as delegates for the 2023 SLP, this year USD is once again sending its top students to participate in the Service Learning Program (SLP) organized by AJCU-AP (Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific). This program aims to provide learning experiences while serving communities, and in 2024, SLP will be held from August 4-18, 2024, at Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines. The theme for this year’s program is Democracy under Siege: An AJCU-AP Service Learning on Democratic Decay and Resilience.

This year, USD is sending 6 student delegates from various study programs to participate in the SLP in the Philippines. The selected delegates are Skolastika Puella Donata and Rifqi Muammar Hanif from the English Literature program, Maria Esterlita Beto from the Biology Education program, Faustina Sakshi Marganingsih from the English Education program, and Stefani Setialie and Chatarina Hikari from the Pharmacy program. The delegates are accompanied by Agatha Mahardika Anugrayuning, a lecturer from the Mechatronics Engineering Technology study program, during the event.

The delegates expressed their enthusiasm and pride after participating in the program as delegates. One of the delegates, Rifqi Muammar Hanif, said that being part of an international program like SLP is a great opportunity to broaden horizons and gain valuable experience working with international communities. “I am grateful to have learned a lot from the local communities and delegates from other countries, and I hope to make a meaningful contribution to society through this program,” he said.

Additionally, Faustina Sakshi also shared her excitement after participating in the program. “SLP 2024 has been a brand new experience for me. From orientation to field activities, there was a mixture of fear and excitement when working with new friends in this program.”

Additionally, Faustina Sakshi also expressed her joy after participating in the program. “SLP 2024 has been a completely new experience for me. From orientation to field activities, there was a mix of fear and excitement as I had to work with new friends in this program.”

In addition to participating in various beneficial activities, the delegates also had the opportunity to take part in the democracy fair on the sixth day. This event offered perspectives from different groups, including environmental conservation issues, which are of interest to one of the delegates, Maria Esterlita Beto. “This activity provided new insights, especially on the importance of environmental preservation, which aligns with this year’s SLP theme,” said Lita. On the other hand, the social night activity also became an important moment that strengthened the relationships among the delegates. The team from Indonesia had the chance to perform on stage, singing the song “Sayang,” which received a warm response from the other participants. The 2024 SLP program provided the delegates with opportunities to introduce their culture and university, participate in various field visits, and engage in joint reflection sessions. By participating in this program, the delegates not only strengthened their sense of solidarity and social responsibility but also made a positive impact on the community, while bringing pride to Universitas Sanata Dharma and Indonesia on the international stage.

 

(VEF/S-BKHI)

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