Mataram, University of Mataram – The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Mataram (FMIPA Unram) synergizes with the Embassy of Canada in the implementation of a community service program entitled “Accelerating Digital Inclusion in Villages in West Nusa Tenggara through Training in Game-Based Coding and WOMEN in STEM Campaign for Teachers and Secondary School Students”, known as REWIND (Rural Empowerment to Win Digital) Project Indonesia. The dissemination of this project took place at the Unram Dome Building, Thursday (29/2).

The activity, held in a hybrid through Zoom Meeting, included the dissemination of the results of community service activities, including insights and research findings obtained by the Community Service Team at Rahmatullah Al-Ma’arif Darek Junior High School, Central Lombok.

In addition, recommendations were also made for stakeholders and policy makers related to digital literacy and digital skills formation. This event is also considered as a forum for discussion and networking between FMIPA Unram and related institutions to collaborate and synergize in the future.

Unram’s Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems, Prof. Akmaluddin, S.T., M.Sc. (Eng.), Ph.D. said, “In line with the purpose and function of higher education is to implement the Tri Dharma of higher education. Through today’s activity, I think it is a form of our implementation of the Tri Dharma of higher education, that is community service.”

“We thank the Embassy of Canada for the cooperation and entrusting us with the University of Mataram in the conduct of community service programs, especially in the Darek Village area, Central Lombok Regency. We hope that there are many benefits that can be taken from this activity, and the service that has been conducted by the Community Service Team of FMIPA Unram will be useful and beneficial to the community, especially in schools that are the object of this service activity,” he added.

Through this REWIND Project Indonesia, Dr. Rahadi Wirawan, S.Si., M.Si. as Dean of FMIPA Unram also hopes to strengthen collaboration and synergy between FMIPA Unram and stakeholders in order to produce more innovation programs that are sustainable and relevant to community needs.

Furthermore, the Representative of the Embassy of Canada, Stuart Shaw as First Secretary Political and Public Affairs said that he was very impressed with FMIPA Unram. Stuart Shaw revealed that the project previously proposed by FMIPA Unram was the right project to be supported by the Embassy of Canada.

“Thanks to the cooperation of the students and teachers at Rahmatullah Al-Ma’arif Junior High School, this project has delivered results that exceeded our expectations. I know this very well as I had the honor of visiting Darek Village last November. I was very inspired by what I saw, where the principal and teachers were open to trying new things for the benefit of their students,” he said.

Stuart Shaw really appreciated the enthusiasm of the community service team of FMIPA Unram. He hopes more people will be aware of this project. “This is one excellent example of a university sharing knowledge with its community to build the skills of teachers and school children. And in doing so, it gives students the opportunity to engage with their community with their skills. I hope this can be replicated in other places. Because we all realize how important a solid foundation in STEM is for the next generation,” he said.

“We have a common goal to empower the women and girls in our communities, by doing so we will achieve our common development goals. We must ensure that all of our communities, not just some, contribute and enjoy the benefits of development. So, this project not only benefits the people of Lombok and Indonesia but benefits Canada and the values we share with Indonesia. To the students and educators present today, keep up the good work and to the staff of Unram and Rahmatullah Al-Ma’arif Junior High School, thank you very much for everything you have done,” concluded Stuart Shaw.