Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) deployed 50 student education volunteers to assist students of SMP Muhammadiyah Kualasimpang, Aceh Tamiang Regency, on Jalan S. Parman, on the first day of school after the long end-of-semester and New Year 2026 break, Monday (January 5).
The assistance was provided as part of UMSU’s community service and moral support to help students adapt to the school environment following the floods that struck Sumatra in November 2025. Of the 560 enrolled students, only around 100 were able to attend. Many students came without shoes or school uniforms, as numerous families are still facing shortages of clothing and housing due to the disaster.
Wearing UMSU alma mater jackets, the student volunteers actively accompanied classes by studying together, sharing stories, singing, and ending the day with a free lunch provided by UMSU for all students.
The first day of school activities at SMP Muhammadiyah Kualasimpang were observed by the Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board, Dr. Agus Taufiqurrahman, M.Kes., Sp.S, and the Chairwoman of PP ‘Aisyiyah, Dr. Rahmawati Husein, who greeted students, teachers, and UMSU student volunteers.
Also present were UMSU Vice Rector II Prof. Akrim, M.Pd; Vice Rector III Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si; Vice Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies Dr. Muhammad Ruslan; Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law Dr. Zainuddin; accompanied by the Head of SMP Muhammadiyah Kualasimpang, Kiki Winanda, M.Pd, as well as leaders of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah of Aceh Tamiang.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Abdul Mu’ti, M.Pd, and his delegation also visited the school following their visit to Langsa City.
Previously, the school had served as a joint UMSU and MDMC post since the November 2025 floods. Since early December, UMSU teams have been cleaning mud and restoring school facilities severely damaged by flooding. After days of work involving hundreds of volunteers and heavy equipment, the school has resumed operations, although not yet fully normal.
On the first day of school, volunteers and students shared stories and engaged in cheerful activities. UMSU also provided lunch in classrooms, while the unfinished condition of the school became an opportunity for collective cooperation, allowing the school day to run smoothly. The activity was warmly welcomed by students, parents, and teachers.
Nazwa, a UMSU student volunteer, said the assistance aimed to foster optimism among students amid ongoing post-disaster recovery.
“We want students to feel safe and stay motivated on their first day back at school. For us, this is a meaningful form of service and social care by UMSU,” she said.
UMSU Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto emphasized that student assistance is part of UMSU’s commitment and disaster response in Aceh Tamiang.
“We want to ensure that the learning process continues even though school conditions are not fully stable. UMSU is here to accompany, strengthen, and provide positive energy during the early days of school,” he said.
Head of SMP Muhammadiyah Kualasimpang, Kiki Winanda, M.Pd, expressed appreciation for UMSU’s support during the school’s recovery phase.
“We are greatly helped by the presence of student volunteers. Although our facilities and readiness are not yet fully restored, with this assistance the teaching and learning process can continue in an orderly and conducive manner,” he stated.
One of the students, Gea Larasti, a ninth-grader, said she felt calmer and more motivated with the support of UMSU volunteers.
“At first, it felt awkward because we didn’t have school uniforms due to the flood, but with the student volunteers accompanying us, I feel more confident to keep attending school,” said Gea, who aspires to become a doctor.
Gea and her friends hope for assistance in school uniforms and further school recovery. So far, UMSU and Muhammadiyah have provided significant support.
