North Aceh, UPI

A team from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), through its Program Pengembangan Bakat dan Kreativitas (Prodbk), has joined forces with Komunitas Aceh Berdaya, Relawan Mengajar from FKIP Universitas Malikussaleh (Unimal), as well as local institutions including BNPB and the Muara Batu Sub-district government. Together, they are carrying out a community service program focused on teaching and psychosocial support for students affected by flooding in Dusun Pasi, Desa Bungkaih, on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The area was severely impacted by floods that began on November 29, 2025. Around 150 children, ranging from kindergarten to high school, took part in the activities held in BNPB evacuation tents. The sessions were designed to be child friendly and adapted to suit different age groups.

The Prodbk team consists of eight members two lecturers and six trained students and alumni. Over the course of approximately eight days, they are providing psychosocial support across several affected areas in North Aceh.

The program uses an Adventure Based Counseling approach, an experiential and game based method that allows children to learn while processing their emotions. The activities are structured into three stages beginning, working, and closure with the goal of building positive values and strengthening coping skills.

Led by Prof. Dr. Nandang Rusmana, M.Pd, along with other lecturers and students from Prodbk UPI, the team facilitates trauma recovery through a range of engaging activities such as coloring, educational games, the introduction of “math vaccine,” and guided psychosocial sessions. Through this collaboration, children are able to experience a safe and enjoyable learning environment that helps them gradually overcome trauma and regain their motivation to learn after the disaster.

At the closing session, Prof. Nandang emphasized that this initiative goes beyond a typical social activity. It reflects the deeper responsibility of higher education institutions to be present and responsive to community needs especially in times of crisis. As universities of education, they carry a moral and social duty to contribute in meaningful and sustainable ways, particularly in supporting vulnerable groups such as children.

In addition, this initiative directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by addressing children’s mental health and psychosocial recovery, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by restoring safe and engaging learning opportunities after disaster, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by strengthening community resilience and collaboration in affected areas. (Prodbk)