The Community Service Team (Pengmas) of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) consisting of Dr. Retno Lestari, M.Si (Head of Pengmas, Lecturer at FMIPA UI) along with five UI students held Covidcademy, on Sunday (29/08), located in Sukarame Village, Pandeglang, Banten. A total of 30 participants who are coastal communities from children to adults participated in Covidcademy which is a program to develop learning centers, literacy, and COVID-19 infographics. This activity was held through the collaboration of the FMIPA UI Pengmas Team with the Pandu Cendekia Foundation and supported by the UI Directorate of Community Service and Empowerment (DPPM UI).
According to Retno Lestari, this activity was held as an effort by UI academics to educate all levels of society about COVID-19. According to her, it is important for all groups, from the elderly to children, to be able to know preventive measures, symptoms, and the right way to deal with COVID-19. Concerns about the uneven distribution of information from the COVID-19 task force to all levels of society can be overcome through this community service.
He said, “Education about COVID-19 must reach the community starting from what the corona virus is, how to prevent it, and what the symptoms of sufferers are. All levels of society, productive age, elderly, to children are important to know what the world is experiencing. Therefore, our team is trying to help educate the community in Sukarame village to raise awareness of the importance of protecting themselves from contracting COVID-19.”
Eton, a community leader in Sukarame Village, said that this community service and empowerment activity was very beneficial for the village community and he was optimistic that in the future it could become the main generator of education and socialization for coastal communities such as Sukarame Village.
“We are very happy that UI can provide socialization about the corona virus, because previously the community here did not pay much attention, but after participating in today’s activities, we now know how to wash our hands properly, can maintain immunity through traditional drinks, and also know that we must keep our distance and wear masks when leaving the house,” said Eton.
The FMIPA UI Community Service Team also interviewed several children about Covidcademy. They explained that this activity was fun because they could learn about the steps to prevent the corona virus which were sung through songs, for example the song about washing hands properly.
“It was fun to have the UI seniors come, besides learning how to wash hands properly to prevent the spread of COVID-19, another fun thing was obtained by learning in an easy-to-remember way, namely with songs. Then, what was no less fun was that we got prizes if we could answer questions,” said Aida, one of the Covidcademy participants.
In carrying out community service activities, the team from FMIPA UI continues to enforce the COVID-19 health protocol. “We also want to provide a direct example to children and local residents about compliance with health protocols. In addition, every participant who takes part in the Covidcademy activity is also given a mask, and is ensured to have sanitized both hands and maintained distance during the event,” said Retno.
