Kemiri Barat, Batang (24/07/2024) – The atmosphere in the 3rd grade of SD Kemiri 01 and 03, Kemiri Barat Village, Subah District was so cheerful that day. The children sat enthusiastically, their eyes sparkling as a Team II KKN (Real Work Lecture) student from Diponegoro University (UNDIP) majoring in Social Anthropology named Raisha Zahrani Wardiana started a multiculturalism education programme on Wednesday (24/7) and Thursday (25/7).
Kemiri Barat, like other villages in general, is a village that consists of a homogeneous community or the majority of the population has similarities in various social and cultural aspects, such as adhering to the same religion, namely Islam, using the same language, and coming from the same tribe.
Although rich in arts and culture, the homogeneity of the community often makes children not fully understand diversity because they are used to living in a homogeneous environment.
With the theme “Together in differences: Building Friendship in a Diverse World”, Raisha Zahrani Wardiana tried to overcome these problems by introducing children in grade 3 SD Kemiri 01 and 03 to the diversity that exists in Indonesia, which is known as a pluralistic country, and the importance of appreciating and respecting differences.
In its implementation, this programme includes the provision of material on multiculturalism, the provision of educational videos as examples of the implementation of tolerance in the midst of differences, interactive discussions, and colouring sessions of traditional clothes from various tribes in Indonesia.
This multiculturalism education is expected to be a valuable provision for children to behave and adapt in a more diverse society in the future through understanding and respect for cultural, religious and linguistic differences.
With this effort, the UNDIP KKN student contribute to the enhancement of knowledge of multiculturalism at the local level, while supporting the formation of a tolerant young generation that is better prepared to face diversity in the future.
Author: Raisha Zahrani Wardiana
Field Supervisor: Putri Rizka Citaningati, S.E., M.SEI.