The World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) proves that an institution could contribute significantly to the community. In 2018, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) initiated WUACD for more impactful community development programs. The platform is an integrated collaboration of universities worldwide for developing communities to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year, UNAIR hosted the WUACD Summit and Conference in Surabaya. The first day of the Summit was held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the Management Building of UNAIR, Surabaya. The summit discussed several topics, including WUACD continuity and its programs.
UNAIR presented some of its ongoing and completed programs on community development, such as the Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital (RSTKA) and Psikologi Mencari Bakat (Psychology Got Talent).
Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih MSi, the Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, explained the contributions of RSTKA to community development service. “The floating hospital was established to reach numerous remote areas in Indonesia. The RSTKA helps distribute main necessities, such as energy, food, or health, especially for the COVID-19 vaccination program,” Prof. Nyoman said. The archipelagic conditions of Indonesia make equal health service distribution challenging to achieve. “Apart from the health services, RSTKA also provides education for the community,” she continued.
Dr Niko Azhari Hidayat Sp BTKV(K), the coordinator of WUACD health and environment program, explained the Psikologi Mencari Bakat (PMB). The program was managed by UNAIR Faculty of Psychology (FPsi) in collaboration with psychology practitioners and intended for children with disabilities. Since 2021, PMB has collaborated with WUACD to invite international guest judges from Malaysia. At that time, PMB gave 466 children with disabilities the opportunity to show their talents and interests. “The program distinctively stands out as it boosts children’s confidence. They can play, sharpen their skills, and gain potential abilities from the surroundings,” he ended.
The summit also held a signing session of memorandums of understanding between the participating transnational institutions.