UMM FKIP-FH Lecturers Promote Child-Friendly Schools through GEDSI and Literacy

Author : Humas | Saturday, January 04, 2025 09:15 WIB

The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and the Faculty of Law (FH) at UMM organized a child-friendly school program based on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), integrated with school literacy programs (Photo: Special Documentation).

The University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) remains committed to promoting quality and inclusive education. This commitment is reflected in initiatives carried out by a group of lecturers from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and the Faculty of Law (FH) at UMM. They conducted an outreach program in various elementary schools, including SD Muhammadiyah 4 Malang City, in late December. This initiative focuses on creating a child-friendly school environment based on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), integrated with school literacy programs.

One of the UMM team members, Dr. Beti Istanti Suwandayani, M.Pd., explained that this program aims to create a safe and inclusive space. The mentorship involves teachers, students, and the school community in fostering a learning environment that is safe, comfortable, and supportive of diversity. The lecturers provided training for teachers on implementing GEDSI principles in both teaching processes and school environment management. This includes understanding the importance of gender equality, inclusion for students with special needs, and efforts to prevent social discrimination.

“A child-friendly school environment is not just about facilities but also about how teachers and the entire school ecosystem can create an atmosphere that supports students' emotional, social, and academic development without discrimination,” she stated.

Uniquely, this program also links GEDSI with improving school literacy. Students are encouraged to develop reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through literacy activities relevant to themes of inclusion and diversity. One example is a short story writing competition themed "Friendship in Diversity," which received enthusiastic participation from the students.

“This activity aligns with our vision to become a school that excels not only academically but also in supporting students' character development. The mentorship from UMM has greatly helped us in realizing a truly child-friendly school,” said the Principal of SD Muhammadiyah 4 Malang City, Hana Ayudah, M.Pd.

Adapun harapannya, pendampingan ini dapat memberikan dampak yang berkelanjutan. Upaya ini menjadi bagian dari kontribusi UMM dalam mendukung pendidikan berkualitas sesuai dengan tujuan pembangunan berkelanjutan (SDGs), khususnya pada aspek pendidikan inklusif dan kesetaraan gender. Dengan sinergi antara GEDSI dan literasi, program ini membuktikan bahwa pendidikan ramah anak adalah kunci untuk mencetak generasi yang unggul, berkarakter, dan peduli terhadap keberagaman. (*/wil/ind)

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