“Bina Desa” (Village Development) is an educational program that provides students with real-world learning experiences outside the campus by immersing them in community life. As part of the 2023 Biology Fair Week (PRB), this program aims to enhance students’ soft skills, teamwork, and discipline. Held from August 25 to 27, 2023, at Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School in Karangmojo, Gunung Kidul, the event involved 15 volunteers from UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s Biology Fair Week, focusing on the theme “Empowering Quality, Active, Creative Communities for a Healthy Environment.”

The primary goal of Bina Desa is to strengthen rural communities, fostering excellence, creativity, and health. Through mentoring and academic guidance by students, the program also prepares biology students to actively contribute to society.

The activities commenced on August 25, 2023, with opening remarks from various dignitaries, including the committee chair, vice chair of the Biology Student Association (HM-PS Biologi), the Head of the Biology Department, and the leadership of Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School. On the first day, the main activities included a session on Composting led by Ibu Ika Nugraheni Ari Martiwi, involving the collection of organic waste for quality fertilizer production. Additionally, there was a practical session on Simple DNA Isolation conducted by Ibu Dian Aruni Kumalawati, with participation from Al-Hikmah Middle School students.

The second day began with teaching biological classification to 7th-grade students at Al-Hikmah Middle School. Subsequently, an awareness session on Healthy Villages, covering the Triad KRR (Clean Water, Clean Environment, and Clean Behavior) and PHBS (Healthy Living Behavior), was delivered by active members of the Biology Student Association. The day concluded with various games involving all students at Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School, aimed at enhancing focus and teamwork.

The final day, August 27, 2023, started with a morning exercise session for female students, followed by tree planting by all volunteers and students. The event concluded with closing remarks from representatives of the boarding school and volunteers, book distribution, group photos, award presentations, and shared impressions among all participants.

This press release expresses gratitude to everyone involved in the success of Bina Desa. It is hoped that the synergy between universities, government, and communities will continue to grow, creating positive and sustainable change.