Fostering Connections Across Cultures and Health Awareness to Local Communities
Jakarta, 2 January – Beyond academic learning, fifteen international undergraduate BINUS World-Class Scholarship (BWCS) students had the chance to make positive changes in the local communities! These young changemakers, divided into three teams, are not only working on projects that enhance cultural exchange but also raising awareness about healthy living.
Discovering Cultures Through Learning Tagalog and Khmer
(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)
As part of BINUS University’s drive to foster societal empowerment, the CamPill team —a group of five BWCS students—joined forces with the Kampus Diakoneia Modern (KDM) Foundation in Bekasi, West Java, to organize a lively cultural exchange with more than 30 orphanage students on 14 December 2024. It was an immersive experience where the children were introduced to the diverse aspects of local and international cultures through activities like dance, music, and storytelling. Not to mention, they also learned a few words in Tagalog and Khmer, languages spoken by our international students from the Philippines and Cambodia!
“We wanted to show the children that there’s more beyond their familiar surroundings—to let them explore the world through the richness of language and culture,” said Diana Iahhel Alegria Guingab, our Business Management and Marketing student from the Philippines.
The students’ enthusiastic engagement in learning Tagalog and Khmer marked the team success in creating an enjoyable and educational experience.
Interactive Learning with Art
(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)
Meanwhile, Abas Hassan Iman, our Computer Science student from Somalia, joined the Vanah team in organizing the Saturday Fun Feast held on 21 December at the Panti Yauma Palmerah Asrama Yatim dan Dhu-afa orphanage in Jakarta.
“I believe this project can serve as a catalyst, encouraging our peers to act with purpose and fostering a greater sense of community engagement,” said Abbas.
This event brought together 40 children for a day filled with engaging group games, live performances, and interactive educational activities. Introducing new vocabulary through interactive games captured the children’s attention and expanded their linguistic skills, while drawing and creative activities unlocked their imagination, leaving memorable experiences for the children and the team members!
Promoting Healthy Choices for Children
(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)
Lastly, teaming up to inspire the next generation, Arish Madataly, our Computer Science student from Madagascar, and his four BWCS peers formed the Fruitful Future Team, launching a healthy eating campaign on 22 December at the Read Aloud community in Srengseng, Jakarta. With 60 children participating, the session aimed to highlight the importance of nutrition in growth and well-being through engaging, interactive activities that encouraged healthier habits.
Children were introduced to various fruits as the team taught their English names and explained the importance of nutritious choices. This dual-purpose activity encouraged healthy eating habits and language development.
“By involving both children and parents, this initiative created a collaborative and inclusive space that encourages long-term healthy habits,” said Siti Rukoyah, a representative from Read Aloud Srengseng community, acknowledging the Fruitful Future Team’s efforts in integrating nutrition and wellness into the community.
Through these projects, our international students show their commitment and creativity to improving local communities by creating spaces where learning, compassion, and collaboration flourish. With every step, BINUS University supports them to bring global perspectives to local lives.
Words by Mita Adhisti and Marcelino Loeis Fereri Yappy
Editor: Hamzah Ramadhan