Mataram, University of Mataram – The University of Mataram (Unram) as a leading university in Indonesia makes a positive contribution to society through various service programmes. One of them is an initiative to improve physical literacy in schools as part of efforts to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

Unram collaborated with SD Negeri 1 Kekait, West Lombok to create a physical literacy corner to overcome the “lazy movement” phenomenon that often occurs. This community service activity was initiated by a lecturer from Unram’s Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Dr Prayogi Dwina Angga, S.Or, M.Pd, and his team, Dr M. Makki, M.Pd, and Nurwahidah, M.Pd. This activity took place during the month of June, from 3 to 25 June 2024.

This physical literacy corner aims to increase children’s understanding of the importance of physical activity, so that a culture of healthy and active living can be formed early on. “When children understand and have a culture of active and healthy living, their physical fitness will improve and it is possible that they can also have good sports achievements,” said Dr. Prayogi.

The programme is implemented by providing various educational contents such as sports books, wall magazines, posters, and leaflets placed in the corner of the classroom. These contents are designed to attract children to be more familiar with and interested in physical activities and sports that they like.

“This service activity by developing a literacy corner is a new activity and the only one with the concept of physical activity and sports, not only in West Lombok, but I dare claim that this is the first time in NTB,” added Dr. Prayogi, a lecturer in PJOK Unram.

This activity is also a pilot project that will later be evaluated for its impact on physical literacy and children’s independence in doing physical activity and sports. With the physical literacy corner, it is hoped that the children of SD Negeri 1 Kekait can better understand and be inspired to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Hj. Patimah, S.Pd., Principal of SD Negeri 1 Kekait, highly appreciates this initiative. “We strongly support this programme as it is very beneficial for our students. Hopefully, with this physical literacy corner, children will be more enthusiastic about physical activity and adopt a healthy lifestyle,” she said.