North Aceh, UPI
The Program for Talent and Creativity Development (Prodbk) team from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) carried out a series of trauma healing activities for children affected by the floods in North Aceh. The program, known as Adventure Based Counseling (ABC), was led by Prof. Dr. Nandang Rusmana, M.Pd., and involved faculty members, alumni, and students from UPI’s Guidance and Counseling field.
On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the team visited Dusun Pasi, Muara Batu, where around 150 children from early childhood to teenagers took part in collaborative learning sessions. Working together with FKIP Universitas Malikussaleh (Unimal) and Rangkang Pustaka, the activities included coloring, educational games, an introduction to “math vaccine”, and several trauma recovery activities held in BNPB evacuation tents.
The following day, Sunday, February 1, 2026, the team reached 80 displaced families in Dusun Lhok Pungki, Gampong Gunci, Sawang Subdistrict. The sessions focused on building a sense of togetherness through group games, reflective interactions, and safe spaces for emotional sharing to help ease the trauma experienced in the camps.
On Monday, February 2, 2026, more than 50 children and teenagers in Langkahan Subdistrict participated in reflective activities conducted in an open natural setting. Through collaborative games and shared reflections, the program helped them process their emotions while also encouraging critical thinking.
The activities continued on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the North Aceh Regent’s Office Hall. A total of 43 volunteers from various organizations including Rangkang Pustaka, YSAP, SABIR Bireuen, Unimal, Gerakan Perempuan Aceh Utara-Lhokseumawe, and Ikatan Bidan Indonesia (IBI)—took part in a Train-of-Trainers (ToT) session on Adventure Based Counseling (ABC). The North Aceh Regional Secretary, Jamaludin, M.Pd., was also present at the event. The training included simulations of interactive educational games such as Big Circle, “Shake Hand,” Rumah Kangguru,” “How Long How High,” “Alligator Alley,” “Traffic Jam,” and “Pyramid.”
All activities were carried out using a structured approach consisting of four stages: beginning (building a sense of safety), transition (helping participants adapt to the group), working (strengthening coping skills), and termination (reflecting on experiences).
The field team included Prof. Nandang Rusmana, Dr. Aam Imaddudin, M.Pd., Ahmad Zaky Firsa, S.Pd., and Adri Mochammad Ihsan, S.Pd., along with student volunteers Khalila Ainul Fathiyah, Nur Syifa Kuranawati, Raisa Putri Listiawati, and Azmi Fauzan Rabbani.
In addition, the team conducted a game based counseling workshop at UIN Sultanah Nahrasiyah Lhokseumawe, which was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between UPI and the university.
Prof. Nandang Rusmana emphasized that education and psychosocial support play a crucial role in post-disaster recovery. He noted that this collaboration reflects UPI’s strong commitment to supporting communities affected by the North Aceh floods. With support from the local government and BNPB, the program not only provides meaningful learning experiences but also helps restore a sense of safety for children.
Amid the difficult memories left by the disaster, moments of laughter and joy have begun to return bringing renewed hope for a stronger and more resilient North Aceh. (Kontributor: Aam Imaddudin)
Moreover, this initiative contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by supporting mental health recovery, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through continued learning in crisis situations, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting resilience and collaboration in disaster response.