UM Kendari International Students Visit SDS IT Al Wahdah, Raising Global Awareness and Aid for Palestine
KENDARI – A heartwarming atmosphere filled the grounds of SDS IT Al Wahdah Kendari on Friday (09/01). International students from Universitas Muhammadiyah (UM) Kendari visited the school for a "Saling Sapa" (Meet and Greet) event, engaging with local students while launching a humanitarian solidarity campaign for Palestine.
The program aimed to introduce elementary students to international cultures through direct interaction with foreign students currently studying in Kendari. Beyond cultural exchange, the event featured a significant humanitarian initiative: an open donation drive to support those in need in Palestine.
Cultural and Language Exchange
The young students were eager to welcome their international guests. During the "Saling Sapa" sessions, the foreign students shared brief stories about their home countries and offered motivational words, encouraging the children to study hard and aspire to travel the world.
"This interaction is vital for expanding the children's horizons. They learn to communicate confidently and understand that national differences are no barrier to brotherhood," said one of the program coordinators from UM Kendari.
Building Empathy Through Solidarity
The highlight of the event was a fundraising drive involving the entire school community. Donation boxes were circulated as a tangible show of support for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
The principal of SDS IT Al Wahdah Kendari expressed deep appreciation for this collaborative initiative. He noted that the presence of UM Kendari’s international students provided a positive psychological impact while strengthening character education focused on global awareness.
"The presence of these international students serves as a window to the world for our children. Through this fundraising moment for Palestine, we want to instill the idea that academic intelligence must go hand-in-hand with empathy. This is a real-life lesson in humanity that transcends national borders," he stated.
All funds collected from this solidarity action will be channeled through official humanitarian organizations to help alleviate the suffering of people in Palestine. The solemn event concluded with a group photo and a collective prayer for the safety and peace of the Palestinian people.
