KEMAL Students from Muslim University of Maros Conduct Literacy-Based Community Service Program at MA Darussalam Barandasi

GoMacca, Maros November 20, 2025 Students participating in the Kemampuan Mengajar Aplikasi Lapangan (KEMAL) program at the Muslim University of Maros carried out a Community Service Program (PKM) at MA Darussalam Barandasi. This initiative was organized under the theme “Igniting Action Through Literacy,” highlighting the importance of strengthening students’ literacy skills through educational outreach.

Held on Thursday, 20 November 2025, at 1:00 PM, the event featured an inspiring guest speaker — the 2023 Indonesian Literacy Ambassador and Reading Ambassador for the 2020–2026 period. Their presence became the main attraction of the program, offering students a valuable opportunity to learn directly from an influential figure in Indonesia’s literacy movement.

Collaboration Between KEMAL Students and the Madrasah to Promote Literacy

As part of their field placement, the KEMAL students selected MA Darussalam Barandasi for their PKM activities, recognizing the school’s potential for developing a strong literacy culture. The students were fully responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing the program in collaboration with the school.

The program coordinator explained that this PKM initiative reflects the students’ commitment to supporting literacy development among younger generations.

“We designed this activity to help students understand that literacy is more than reading books. It involves processing information, thinking critically, and expressing ideas creatively,” the coordinator said.

Inspirational Session Led by the National Literacy Ambassador

During the main session, the Literacy Ambassador discussed the growing importance of literacy in today’s digital era. They emphasized that literacy encompasses more than reading and writing — it includes digital literacy, critical thinking, information processing, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively.

Students were given practical guidance on how to develop strong literacy habits by starting with simple daily actions. They were encouraged to read a little each day to build consistency and improve their comprehension skills. They also learned the importance of taking notes from what they read to help them remember key ideas and understand the material more deeply. The speaker advised them to begin writing about topics they enjoy so that writing feels more natural and engaging. In addition, students were taught to use digital technology wisely such as educational websites, articles, and videos to expand their knowledge while learning to choose reliable sources and avoid misinformation.

The session was lively and interactive. Students asked questions about reading habits, finding credible references, and building confidence in writing.

Strong Engagement from Students and Appreciation from the School

MA Darussalam Barandasi expressed gratitude for the students’ efforts in organizing a meaningful literacy program. Teachers noted that the activities aligned well with current educational needs, especially in nurturing students who are thoughtful, curious, and proactive learners.

“The students were enthusiastic from start to finish. The speaker presented the material in a way that truly resonated with them. We hope activities like this can continue in the future,” said one of the accompanying teachers.

Expected Impact of the PKM Activity

The PKM event is expected to inspire long-term change among students, encouraging them to

1. Develop daily reading habits,

2. Grow more confident in expressing ideas through writing,

3. Practice responsible and informed digital literacy, and

4. Become role models for literacy within their school community.

For the KEMAL students, this program provided firsthand experience in applying academic knowledge while contributing directly to community development a key objective of the KEMAL initiative.

This literacy-focused PKM activity is a testament to the Muslim University of Maros’ commitment to empowering communities through education. By strengthening partnerships between universities and schools, programs like KEMAL help shape a future generation that is informed, creative, and capable of facing modern challenges with confidence.