Developing Characters by Serving Others

Character development is a part of holistic education that is given to the students of UPH. One of the practiced methods in order to shape the students? characteristic is by organizing social projects. The aim is to carve a personality that has Godly Character and reflects the fruit of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of students? life. The pursued target is for students to be aware of their life?s purpose and carry it on in accordance with God?s plan.

Kristina U. Setiawan, one of Character Development class lecturers, assigned her students to reflect the book ?The Purpose of Driven Life? written by Rick Warren. Then, their reflections were applied into their social projects. By doing this, students would get a grasp on how to accept theirselves and how to be aware of people?s attitude. Next, students were taken to see the situation of the people who live near and in need of attention and love. From there, students had to think up of a plan that fulfilled their needs.  

On 4 February 2014, about 40 Character Development class? students, divided into 7 groups, went to rehabilitation center at Sewan, Lebak Wangi, Tangerang. Students organized many meaningful activities such as building relations with schizophrenia patients, teaching and playing with less fortunate children and socializing a healthy lifestyle for parents.

To execute these activities, students had done their preparations from surveying the venue, planning the programs, and finally, carrying out the plan. Students looked enthusiastic when they were interacting with people they served to; schizophrenia patients, children and also their parents. They tried to get acquainted, do activities together, and share souvenirs that made the whole event became livelier.

Sugiarti, a volunteer teacher who teach at kindergartens in Sewan rehabilitation center, admitted that she is very grateful for UPH students? contributions that are given regularly for the children. ?Parents are also enthusiastic to join the students? activities. Their activities are diverse and helpful,? she explained.

Felix Kristiadi, head of Yayasan Pelita Jiwa, gladly welcomed UPH students? projects. ?If I may suggest, students who wish to do a research on psychology or communication could use the cases from this place as their research object. There are many cases that can be used as a research topic and we are ready to give any kind of assistances should the students decide to do a research here. Because the results of their research might be beneficial at our end,? Felix stated.

On students? side, these social projects are also giving them many valuable lessons. They were inspired to see the joy that Sewan?s residents had shown even though, material wise, they are very lacking. Taking that sight, students strengthen their convictions, to be more grateful for what they have right now. Furthermore, students are also determined to organize more activities either to support or to fund the less fortunate children?s education tuition. (rh)