UNAIR NEWS – Even in the transition period of Covid-19 pandemic, the Community Service Program (KKN) continues to be carried out and coordinated by Universitas Airlangga Community Service and Development Institute (LPPM). This 62nd KKN BBM took place in several regions in Indonesia with various programs and innovations.
One of the highlights is from Group 138 of 62nd KKN BBM in Pandanwangi, Malang. They held education and innovation to the public, Covid-19 Education and making soap using paper.
Aulia Saviera as Head of the KKN Group said that the activity was inspired from many children in the Pandanwangi area who were still playing outside without complying with health protocols. So, students want to educate about Covid-19 and how to play but still pay attention to health protocols, such as keeping a safe distance, wearing a mask, and always washing hands with soap.
“Because children like paying outside they may forget to wash their hands. Finally, we took the initiative to make paper soap so it can be practically carried everywhere, “said Rara.
Paper Soap Making
Rara said, making paper soap is fairly simple and easy. The only material needed is oil paper and hand washing soap.
First, hand washing soap is put on oil paper and then flattened, flip on both sides then dried. If it is dry, just cut it into small pieces as big as ID card size or as you wish, then children can save and carry it everywhere.
“If they want to use it, they just take it then moisten with water, then wash hands like usual. That’s soap paper, “says Rara.
The activity was carried out with elementary school children from the age of 6-12 years in RW 5 and RW 14, Pandanwangi District, Malang City. The activity was held twice, in RW 14 on Friday, July 10, 2020 at the RT 2 public facilities yard, and on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at RW 5 Hall.
In carrying out the KKN activities, Rara and the team continued to heed health protocols such as physical distancing. Participants must wear a mask and before entering the area participants must use a handsanitizer first.
“It also teaches them how health protocols should be implemented, a kind of simulation,” she said.
In carrying out these activities, they were supported by the community and received direct assistance from the Community Health Center (Puskesmas) of Pandanwangi. Moreover, the participants’ enthusiasm for the activity was extraordinary. They actively participated in activities and understood about Covid-19 and how to prevent it. The KKN team gave questions to them and they were able to answer well.
In addition to paper soap making activities, the KKN team also works closely with local health center health workers to provide counseling related to new normal policies in Malang, such as independent isolation, disinfection of houses, and new normal in public places, especially street vendors. Counseling is given to women cadres.
For further activities, the students plan to provide a washbasin that will be placed in the traditional market in RW 5, banners to be installed in the alleys, as well as social assistance in RW 5 and RW 14.
“We hope that what we give today to younger children can be useful and well implemented and they are more aware of the covid 19 pandemic,” concluded Rara. (*)
Author: Ulfah Mu’amarotul Hikmah
Editor: Binti Q Masruroh
