The Biology Education Study Programme of Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) again held a community service activity that was full of benefits, this time by providing hydroponic training to students of SMAN 1 Magetan. The activity, which was held on Friday, 08/11/2024, yesterday, aims to implement the collaboration between UNIPMA and SMAN 1 Magetan and implement experience in caring for hydroponic plants as part of the P5 programme which focuses on student character building.

The training was attended by a team of lecturers from the UNIPMA Biology Education Study Programme led by the Head of the Study Programme, Mr Joko Widiyanto, S.Pd, M.Pd, along with a number of other lecturers, namely Dr. Wachidatul Linda Yuhanna, S.Pd., M.Si, Ms. Nurul Kusuma Dewi, S.Si., M.Sc, Ms. Sri Utami, S.Pd., M.Pd, Ms. Pujiati, S.Si., M.Si, and Mr. Muh. Waskito Ardhi, S.Pd., M.Pd.

In this activity, they delivered two main themes in the mentoring session, first on the engineering and technology of making hydroponic systems, and the second theme on successful tips for entering college. The material aims to provide practical insights into modern agricultural techniques as well as provide tips and motivation for students who wish to continue their education to college.

‘Students of SMAN 1 Magetan are expected not only to be able to understand the concept of hydroponics, but also to apply it independently, both at school and at home. With this, they are expected to foster an entrepreneurial spirit in the field of modern agriculture,’ said Mr Joko Widiyanto, S.Pd, M.Pd.

In addition, UNIPMA lecturers also explained the introduction and promotion of the Biology Education Study Programme, which has been accredited as superior. They also invited students to understand career opportunities in the fields of education and science, as well as enlightening them regarding various university entrance pathways. On the sidelines of the training, participants were also presented with interactive games and door prizes that further enlivened the event.

One of the interesting activities was a sharing session attended by the 12th grade of SMAN 1 Magetan and the teachers. The students were given the opportunity to ask directly about tips and tricks for entering college, as well as gaining deeper knowledge about the potential profession in the field of biology education.

‘The enthusiasm of the students was very visible. They were active in the question and answer session and eagerly analysed and asked for input for the hydroponic installation at school. This shows that they are very interested and ready to practice what they have been taught,’ added Dr Wachidatul Linda Yuhanna, S.Pd., M.Si, the training's accompanying lecturer.

This activity is also an important moment in strengthening the positive synergy between UNIPMA's Biology Education Study Programme and SMAN 1 Magetan. Not only for students, but also for teachers who participated in this training.

As a form of appreciation, the Head of UNIPMA's Biology Education Study Programme presented a certificate of appreciation to SMAN 1 Magetan as a UNIPMA partner school, which is expected to continue to collaborate in the development of education and environmental sustainability.

Through this activity, UNIPMA also supports the Tri Dharma programme of Higher Education, especially in the field of community service. It is hoped that this training will not only benefit the students of SMAN 1 Magetan, but also encourage them to be more concerned about environmental conservation through friendly green technology.

‘Hopefully, this activity can inspire students to play an active role in preserving the environment and develop their skills in modern agriculture. We hope that through this training, students will be more motivated to foster an entrepreneurial spirit and explore the concept of sustainability and innovation in agriculture,’ said Dr Wachidatul Linda Yuhanna, S.Pd., M.Si., in an interview on Saturday, 09/11/2024, yesterday.

With activities like this, it is hoped that it can improve the quality of education in partner schools and have a sustainable positive impact on students, teachers, and the surrounding community.