A commitment to community service is not only manifested through material assistance, but also through the transfer of knowledge and the character development of the younger generation. In this spirit, DEMA Justicia organized the “Dema Mengajar” program, an educational initiative aimed at students at SDN Merdikorejo, focusing on non-formal learning and basic English language instruction. This activity took place throughout May 2025, beginning on Saturday (May 3, 2025) and concluding on Monday (May 26, 2025). During this period, six regular teaching sessions were held, as well as two additional meetings in the form of opening and closing ceremonies. The entire series of activities was designed using a curriculum model that had been adapted and agreed upon with the school, to ensure that the material presented was relevant, contextual, and in line with the students’ needs.
Student participation in this program reflects their enthusiasm and strong desire to learn. It was recorded that the participation rate reached around 50% of the total students in grades 1 through 5. Although there were challenges in implementation, such as time constraints and variations in student abilities, the teaching and learning process continued with plenty of interaction, joy, and emotional closeness between the student teachers and the students. The closing of the Dema Mengajar activity was a very memorable moment. Held in the Auditorium of Building B at the UGM Faculty of Law, this event served not only as a venue for reflection and appreciation but also as a space for the students of SDN Merdikorejo to express themselves. The cultural arts performances presented by the students reflected the outcomes of the non-formal mentoring conducted, while also showcasing the extraordinary talents and potential of the village children.
Dema Mengajar is not merely a routine program. It serves as a bridge between the academic world and the community; tangible proof of the connection between theory and practice, as well as between compassion and concrete action. This initiative has demonstrated that students’ presence in the community can have a positive impact—not only through the knowledge they share, but also through their sincere and empathetic engagement. DEMA Justicia believes that service is a two-way process: students learn from the community, and the community benefits from the students’ presence. Dema Mengajar is the first step in an educational movement that we hope will continue and grow in the future.
In addition, the Dema Mengajar initiative is closely aligned with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing access to supplementary learning and an introduction to English for elementary school students, and contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by providing equal learning opportunities for children in rural areas. Moreover, the active participation of students in this initiative reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), where collaboration between universities, schools, and the community can bring about an inclusive, effective, and sustainable transformation in education.
Author : DEMA Justicia (Kabiner Virya Sankara)
