Photo: Part of TSE Group’s environmental, social, and tech class at a school in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua Province
BOVEN DIGOEL – Living remotely does not mean lacking awareness of the outside world, which makes social issues a crucial topic to teach to geographically distant students. Exposing them to current affairs helps broaden their perspective, offers ways to respond (should they handle similar situations), and drives actions that improve lives.
In doing this, teachers should take a slow, steady approach while keeping things fun and hands-on to ensure information gets through.
Introducing students to social issues is what palm oil company Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group has been doing in Boven Digoel Regency. “Social Education” is a program that brings relevant educational content to young Papuans at middle school level or equivalent, with topics spanning environmental protection, state defense, mental health, character education, and technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
It comes with interactive, easy-to-digest resources that engage and excite learners, drawing praise from both participants and teachers in Boven Digoel and Jair District.
This program is part of TSE Group’s Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) initiatives that enrich student knowledge of social, environmental and technological matters.
“We want the students in Jair District to be academically savvy and well aware of social and environmental issues. Social Education reflects this commitment to building high-quality individuals,” said Daniel Sim Ayomi, TSE Group’s General Manager.
Photo: Students at isolated locations are given school supplies to support their passion and work towards their dreams
In addition to these “mini-classes” is school supply assistance, where stationery and backpacks are provided to increase motivation. Muhammad Solehudin, Deputy Principal of Jair Public Middle School 1 (SMPN 1 Jair), said this program “really benefits the kids”.
“It’s great for giving the children learning materials that are not formally part of our standard curriculum. Thanks to it, our students [will] better understand their roles in today’s social and environmental climate.”
Social Education runs in both public and private schools, like Asiki’s Muslim middle school, Nurush Shobah. TSE Group hopes it “sets the beginning to a generation of smart, environmentally-aware, and challenge-ready Papuans, [who are capable] to build their hometown”.
Patrisia Tanggarofa, a participant and student at Jair Public Middle School 1, expressed her enthusiasm, “For me and my friends, this activity is very motivating, [because] we get to expand our knowledge. I hope it continues.”
The program is proof that businesses contribute through social and environmental improvements, other than economic growth. (PR)
