Keluarga Mahasiswa Pascasarjana or Graduate Student Association (GSA) of Yogyakarta State University has just recently held Care and Share in Serut Public Elementary School, Gedangsari Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta Special Region. Though this class was conducted in the middle of mid-term examination, the students and the teachers still felt enthusiast to join the class. The agenda began with disseminating high nutrient foods to the students, then continued with getting acquaintance with the volunteers.

The volunteers delivered the materials they prepared a week before in front of the students. The materials included English, environmental awareness, self development and skills improvement, such as crafting and recycling, making water rocket, and arranging puzzle.

Of 14 voluntary teachers, one of them was a student from Burundi named Oscar Ndayizeye, a graduate student of YSU year 2015 majoring in Research and Education Evaluation. Together with Ermansah and Dita Kristanti, they taught VI graders. Oscar was challenged to teach English. In the Care and Share program, Oscar became the center of attention, yet he still could manage it thus removing the nervous feeling. Even, he was willing to blend with those students.

The other volunteers were delightful to get involved in such inspiring community service. “It’s great” says Ratna Fitriyani, a student of Guidance and Counselling year 2015 when asked about her impression to teach in this program. Speaking to the volunteers, Tohari as the Headmaster of the school and representing the teachers and the committees, was thankful for the program held by the Graduate Student Association.

In addition to teaching and disseminating nutritious foods, Oscar and his friends interviewed students, the parents, and the school committee about the significance of education in Serut village.

“This agenda was part of Village Service by our organization, and this was the first time. The agenda would last till Sunday (27/3/2016) with training on fertilizer making to the villagers. We are so thankful to the village authorities, Serut Public Elementary School committees, volunteers, donors, and other related parties in the success of this agenda, says Anwaril Hamidy as the Coordinator of the agenda. (PR of GSA YSU)