A cheerful and enthusiastic atmosphere enveloped the courtyard of Ngesrepbalong 1 Public Elementary School, Limbangan District, Kendal Regency, as 5th and 6th grade students participated in a volcanic eruption mitigation workshop. The activity was creatively packaged through a volcanic eruption replica experiment, led by students from the UNNES Community Service Program (KKN) Giat 12 program in Ngesrepbalong Village, as part of the Disaster Resilient Village (Destana) program.
The program, held recently, ran from morning to afternoon. The event began with an opening by the Principal of Ngesrepbalong 1 Public Elementary School, Jundarningsih, followed by introductions of the KKN Giat 12 students and an icebreaker to boost student enthusiasm.
In the first session, students provided an introduction to volcanoes, types of natural disasters, and symbols of Disaster-Prone Areas (KRB). In addition to listening to the explanation, students were also invited to make a replica of a mountain out of papier-mâché and decorate it according to their creativity.
After a break, the second session continued with an explanation of the eruption process, volcano status levels, and mitigation steps before, during, and after a disaster. Educational videos also strengthened students’ understanding.
The highlight and most anticipated activity was a volcanic eruption experiment using a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and acrylic dye. When red “lava” erupted from the replica mountain, cheers erupted from the students.
“This activity is very beneficial because the children learn both theory and practice. Moreover, our school is located at the foot of Mount Ungaran, so this mitigation knowledge is an important asset for them,” said the Principal of Ngesrepbalong 1 Elementary School, Jundarningsih.
One of the sixth-grade students, Imran, also expressed his delight. “It was so much fun! Making our own mountain and then watching it erupt. It helps us know where to run if a disaster occurs,” he said.
Muhammad Miftahul Huda, a representative of the 12th KKN student program, stated that this activity demonstrates the students’ commitment to disaster education in disaster-prone areas. “We want students to have basic disaster management skills so they are prepared and don’t panic if one occurs,” he explained.
With Ngesrepbalong Village situated on the slopes of Mount Ungaran, this activity is expected to foster early awareness and empower students to become agents of disaster mitigation information dissemination within their families and communities. The event concluded with a joyful atmosphere. In addition to providing a fun learning experience, this program represents a concrete step by Unnes students in supporting the creation of a disaster-resilient community.
