The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at the University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra (FKIP UMSU) organized an International Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata or KKN) involving 45 students in Satun, Thailand. This activity is the result of a collaboration between FKIP UMSU and the Association of Islamic Private Schools in Satun, Thailand, which took place on Tuesday, August 29th.
The collaboration began with the handover of the students to 16 schools affiliated with the association. This was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) by Dra. Hj. Syamsuyurnita, M. Pd., the Dean of FKIP UMSU, and Mr. Madren Layod, the President of the Association of Islamic Private Schools in Satun, Thailand.
The MoA encompasses International Community Service (KKN) activities, International Research and Community Engagement by Faculty Members, the Alumni Program for FKIP UMSU to Teach in Satun, and the Enhancement of Foreign Language Instruction (Malay language). This collaboration was well-received by all parties involved, especially the Satun Islamic Association and the Provincial Government of Satun.
The signing of the MoA was witnessed by Deputy Dean III of FKIP UMSU, Dr. Mandra Saragih, M. Hum, and Mrs. Bussarin Nakaubon, the Director of the Association of Islamic Private Schools in Satun, Thailand. Also present were the Heads of the Indonesian Language Education Program, FKIP UMSU, Mutia Febiyana, M.Pd, and the Secretary of the Counseling Program, FKIP UMSU, Sringayomi, M.Psi.
Dra. Hj. Syamsuyurnita, M. Pd., the Dean of FKIP UMSU, explained that the KKN program is carried out for 25 days and involves 45 students from various programs, including Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD), English Education, Indonesian Language Education, and Guidance and Counseling.
“This activity is one of FKIP UMSU’s International Community Service Programs, equivalent to 12 credit hours and exempt from the final thesis requirement,” she stated.
In her speech, Mrs. Dr. Bussarin, the Director of the Association of Islamic Private Schools in Satun, Thailand, expressed that the Provincial Government of Satun wholeheartedly supports this collaboration.
“We strongly support this program for the improvement of human resources, particularly in opening the minds of our students to think ahead for their future,” Bussarin said.
She also extended her gratitude to Muhammadiyah University (UMSU) for initiating and entrusting them with the location for this program.
The President of the Association also mentioned that this is their first international collaboration with a higher education institution. Therefore, he expressed deep appreciation to UMSU for entrusting the Association of Islamic Private Schools in Satun, Thailand, with the implementation of this program.
“Although there are 36 Islamic schools under our association, we have placed our 45 students in 16 schools. InshaAllah (God willing), this program can help us improve the quality of our students,” he added.
Separately contacted, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, the Rector of UMSU, highly appreciated the International Community Service Program conducted by FKIP UMSU.
“We strongly support it because this is one of the activities that opens the door for international cooperation and collaboration, especially in the field of education,” said Prof. Agussani.
He also expressed hope that this program would continue to be developed and enhanced in the future.
