USK Deploys 2,124 Students to Strengthen Community Disaster Preparedness

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - Syiah Kuala University (USK) Banda Aceh has deployed 2,124 students for a Community Service Programme (KKN) to disaster-affected areas in Aceh to strengthen community capacity in facing disasters. The KKN, themed ‘Strengthening Disaster Capacity Development through KKN in Post-Disaster Areas’, represents USK’s commitment to reinforcing community resilience through student service in disaster-affected regions, said Taufiq C Dawood, Head of the USK Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM), in Banda Aceh on Monday. He explained that the KKN, implemented in disaster-affected areas, is also part of efforts to encourage students to contribute to strengthening community capacity to face disasters while supporting the post-disaster recovery process. In addition to the Regular KKN, USK is conducting a Thematic Literacy KKN in collaboration with the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia to support the improvement of reading culture and community literacy. ‘We hope students can make a real contribution according to community needs, both in strengthening literacy and improving disaster preparedness capacity,’ he said. Taufiq also reminded all students to maintain integrity, uphold the university’s good name, and carry out all work programmes responsibly. USK Rector Mirza Tabrani said the activity is not only a platform to implement knowledge gained in lectures, but also to learn to understand community needs and build collaboration to provide solutions to various problems on the ground. ‘KKN is a real learning space. On campus, students learn theory, while in the community they learn to understand realities, challenges, and hone their sense of care and collaboration skills,’ he said.