The Sekolah Semu is an annual community service program held by the Komunitas Peradilan Semu (KPS) FH UNAIR. For the second time, Kampung 1001 Malam, Dupak, Surabaya was chosen as the location for the service. The 2022 Sekolah Semu held on 22 – 30 October 2022. The PR team interviewed the Project Officer for the 2022 Sekolah Semu Dhamar Jagad Gautama to explore the program further.
Dhamar explained that the re-election of Kampung 1001 Malam was so that the Sekolah Semu had the impression of long-term continuity. This is because the basic premise of this activity is an alternative school to spread education more broadly and evenly. Furthermore, the Sekolah Semu seeks to inspire children about the importance of education and provide encouragement so that the residents there can continue their education as high as possible.
“The condition of the children in Kampung 1001 Malam in education is still not enough. In elementary school age, some children drop out of school. On average, girls are only at the high school level and boys only at the junior high school level,” said the 2020 student.
Several programs initiated by the Sekolah Semu are building libraries. The books that fill the library are obtained from donations that are open for a year. Dhamar added that the program also provides classes for the children of Kampung 1001 Malam. The class materials vary from human rights, calistung (read and write arithmetic), and night crafts to general knowledge.
“We also teach children how to make tie-dye clothes. This class is interesting because their knowledge can potentially have economic value and provision if they want to open a business,” said the UNAIR Chapter Amnesty Coordinator.
Dhamar said that not infrequently, his conversations with the villagers had the same hope. The hope is that the future generations of the 1001 Malam people should be able to read and receive the highest education possible. Dhamar added that the conversation had a deep imprint on his heart.
“I have had many life experiences with marginalized children in the city who live in simplicity. Sekolah Semu is a work of service, so we must be aware that we will not be full of instant benefits. There, we will learn about life,” said Dhamar.
