My User Experience during "Kuliah Kerja Nyata" in Ganggang Panjang, Tanggulangin, Sidoarjo

By: Ahmad Ghoni Arrozaq

Participating in the "Kuliah Kerja Nyata" (KKN) program in the rural village of Ganggang Panjang, Tanggulangin, Sidoarjo was an eye-opening and transformative experience for me. This community engagement initiative allowed me to actively contribute to the development of the village while honing my skills in various projects.

Our program's primary focus was on promoting responsible social media usage, creating a school profile website for the local elementary school, organizing an enthusiastic Independence Day competition on August 17th, and assisting in documenting various community activities throughout the month of August. Each project presented unique challenges and rewards.

The first segment of our KKN program revolved around educating the villagers about the wise and constructive use of social media. In an era dominated by digital platforms, this initiative was incredibly relevant. We conducted workshops to teach the importance of digital etiquette, online safety, and the potential positive impact of social media on the community's progress.

The creation of a school profile website for the local elementary school aimed to provide the school with an online presence, showcasing its achievements and facilities. The website not only bridged the technological gap but also highlighted the village's commitment to education. Collaborating with the school staff, we designed an informative and visually appealing platform that effectively communicated the school's values.

One of the highlights of our KKN experience was the Independence Day competition. The immense enthusiasm displayed by the villagers was heartwarming. The participation exceeded our expectations, and the villagers contributed generously to the prizes for the winners. This event showcased the strong sense of community and patriotism that ran deep within the village.

Another essential aspect of our work was documenting various community activities throughout August. We captured moments from events such as the "Malam tirakatan" celebration, a festive occasion that highlighted gratitude and unity, as well as the "Jalan sehat" (healthy walk) and "Karnaval" (carnival) events that brought the villagers together in a spirit of joy and camaraderie. Documenting these activities not only preserved memories but also showcased the vibrant cultural fabric of Ganggang Panjang.

Throughout the KKN program, we encountered challenges that required creative problem-solving and effective communication. These experiences improved my teamwork skills and taught me to adapt to unfamiliar situations swiftly.

In conclusion, my "Kuliah Kerja Nyata" experience in Ganggang Panjang, Tanggulangin, Sidoarjo, was an incredible journey that allowed me to make meaningful contributions to a rural community. The projects, from promoting responsible social media use to organizing engaging events, provided a holistic approach to community development. Witnessing the villagers' involvement and enthusiasm was truly heartening, underlining the power of unity in achieving progress. This experience not only enriched my skills but also deepened my understanding of the impact that focused and collaborative efforts can have on society.