Mataram, University of Mataram – The Statistics and Mathematics Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Mataram (FMIPA Unram) with the support of the Canadian Embassy for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, presents a community service initiative with the theme “Accelerating Digital Inclusion in West Nusa Tenggara’s Remote Village through Game-based Coding Training and WOMEN in STEM Campaign for Middle School’s Teachers and Students”.

This community service consists of a series of workshops, coding training and focus group discussions that take place intensively from August 2023 to February 2024 with the center of activities at Rahmatullah Al Maarif Junior High School, Darek, Central Lombok.

The objectives of this initiative include: improving digital literacy with a special focus on basic programming skills, increasing awareness of the benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), especially in empowering women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), expanding young people’s knowledge of career opportunities, and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty in order to realize the pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This community service was initiated by a team of young lecturers from FMIPA Unram consisting of Dina Eka Putri, S.Si., M.Si.; Dr. Irwansyah, Salwa S.Pd, M.Sc.; and Nuzla Afidatur Robbaniyah, S.Si., M.Sc. together with students of the Mathematics Study Program.

One of the series of activities, namely a workshop to campaign for Girl in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and prevention of child marriage, took place on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

The event was attended by representatives from the Canadian Embassy, namely First Secretary Political and Public Affairs, Stuart Shaw and Coordinator of Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), Kaisa Tokar. Also participating in the event was Dr. Rahadi Wirawan, S.Si., M.Si. as Dean of FMIPA, along with his staff.

This program has received a warm welcome, especially from students at Rahmatullah Al Maarif Junior High School, Darek, Central Lombok because it has given them valuable opportunities and experiences to explore the world of digital literacy and STEM fields.