The university students are part of the second batch of the Kampus Mengajar (Campus Teaching) program, which is aimed at school students in rural and remote areas who are struggling to adopt distanced learning systems amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry revealed.
"This is a great opportunity (for the university students) to help students they will teach in their assigned schools," Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Makarim stated in a press release issued in Jakarta on Saturday.
The minister asked the university students participating in the program to study hard during their eight-day briefing prior to departure to ensure they have sufficient knowledge to teach math, literature, and undertake character-building of their wards.
He also encouraged participants to try new things during their teaching period and to maintain a positive interaction with school teachers and neighbors in their assigned regions.
"Lastly, have fun. I hope this moment stays in your heart forever," Nadiem remarked.
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Meanwhile, Secretary of the Directorate General of Higher Education Paristiyanti Nurwardani called the participants of the Kampus Mengajar program "platinum students".
"Platinum is the most valuable metal in the world, therefore, you students are the platinum of the young generation for the ministry. Minister Nadiem has trusted you, and please keep in mind to dedicate your toil and integrity for the Kampus Mengajar program," Nurwardani stated.
She expressed the hope that the 22 thousand participants of the second batch of the Kampus Mengajar program would help boost the creativity of school students.
"Your equation with your pupils could also indicate whether your work is effective or not," she said.
Once they arrive at their designated region, students are expected to adapt to the different cultures, languages, and other different conditions, as any discomfort that they may experience will encourage them to grow, study, and evolve, Nurwardani remarked.
"If you experience any inconveniences during your teaching period, encourage yourself to surpass them, because once we surpass it, our good character and competence will flow out," she said.
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Translator: Indriani, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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