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“The time of youth is truly beautiful; full of hopes and dreams and an unflagging passion that burns brightly in the heart.”
Part of this song lyric emphasizes the beauty of youth. Filled with spirit, hope and idealism, youths seem to have endless energy and the desire to excel and reach for the skies.
The participants of the 22nd Citizenship Education in Wisma Syalom (Bogor, West Java) has proven it!
During the 22nd Citizenship Education that was held on 26th November, the passion and enthusiasm for learning is clearly evident. The 60 participants that came from GMKI (Indonesian Christian Student Movement) Bogor branch, GMKI Bekasi branch and a few representatives from the Christian Student Fellowship of Bogor Agricultural University and other campuses, seemed to enjoy the process of learning that took place. Although the material presented could be deemed new or even foreign, the drive to learn from each participant is clearly seen from the active participation in the lecture, Q&A and discussion sessions.
Here are several participant responses towards the 22nd Citizenship Education.
This program is really useful because it was well conceptualized. The different stages went pretty well (introduction – content – discussion). I was able to obtain much information, motivation, pattern of thinking and soft skills from this program. With love and understanding of the country, the role and sense of duty of youths towards Indonesia will heighten (Seno – GMKI Bogor)
This program was really useful for me. It gave me an insight that what I thought was impossible or difficult was actually quite easy to carry out. Discussions are important and can be carried out at any time. (Maria Saragih, D3 IPB)
This program gave me new insight and motivated me to become more active in participating in organizations and taking action that reflects my identity as a member of the Kingdom of God and a citizen of Indonesia. (Olivia Simangunsong, D3 IPB)
I will share the story of what I gleamed from this program in my campus organization and also out of campus and I will implement the brilliant ideas that I received from this program together with my friends. (Ricci Tarigan, Bekasi)
The materials presented were quite dense. Besides basic information such as an introduction to Institut Leimena, Responsible Citizenship, the hopes of the country, the 1945 Constitution and Citizenship Discussion; there was an additional topic – the use of IT for citizenship empowerment. Seeing that the participants are youths who are still attending college, the topic becomes even more important and necessary. Undeniably, technology becomes one of the strengths in attracting the attention of and encouraging the people’s participation in national issues.
During the IT for Citizenship Empowerment session, the method of learning used was discussion. The participants were divided into small groups and given a few questions for discussion. The discussion results were then presented to everyone. Many fresh, new ideas came out from the discussion that could be implemented through their roles as students.
An interesting point was the teaching team whose age was not much different from the participants. This showed that youths are not allergic to issues of nationality. Youths can be involved in building a better state and nation with all their capacities.
God showed his work through the 22nd Citizenship Education -awakening hearts and minds of the participants, building spirits and a longing to be involved as a responsible Indonesian citizen.
May the youths keep rising up! May they optimize their golden year towards something meaningful and long-term. Behind all the allegations about the lack of youth participation in the life of the nation, there are still young people who care and want to be involved. Are you one of them? Ready to be a youth working to make a difference? Come…!