Harnessing Youth Empowerment to Address Social Issues Through Education and Collaboration

Jakarta, 29 July — Recently, Hani Faisal Arab, our Communications student from Somalia, along with her fellow BINUS World Class Scholarship recipients, have participated in a project with Food Bank Indonesia, a prominent Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to alleviating hunger and improving child nutrition across the country.  

As part of BINUS University’s mission to foster and empower society is reflected in our emphasis on educating students about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and actively motivating their engagement in community development activities. 

Participation in Food Bank Indonesia’s project has helped them to gain a valuable understanding of the pressing issues related to food insecurity and poverty. Hani conveyed the reflections of Razafinandrasana Cynthia, our recent master’s degree graduate from Madagascar, who participated in the project and expressed, “The Food Bank Indonesia project opened my eyes to the social issues in Indonesia. It provided valuable lessons I can bring back to my country to drive meaningful change.” 

Their participation highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling large-scale social problems. By working with Food Bank Indonesia, Hani and her team supported the organization’s mission and deepened their understanding of the complexities surrounding food insecurity and poverty. 

In line with this approach, our goal is to integrate SDGs into our curriculum to ensure students understand global issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change and gain the skills to address them. At BINUS University, education combines theory with practical experience. We motivate students to apply their learning through community programs and social initiatives. 

These experiences demonstrated the vital role of students and young people in driving positive change and supporting sustainable development goals and how educational institutions like BINUS University can foster social responsibility among students. Therefore, by participating in such projects, our students can apply their knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their personal growth and understanding of global issues. 

(Writer: Mita Adhisti/ Editor: Hamzah Ramadhan)