Joy and warmth filled the Pengayoman Nursing Home in Semarang City as dozens of students from the Student Association of the Bachelor of Public Health Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Negeri Semarang (FK UNNES), held a community service activity themed “BAKTI: Sharing Hope, Love, and Laughter for the Elderly.” The event, which began in the morning, was warmly welcomed by the grandmas and grandpas at the nursing home. The students organized a variety of activities including light exercise, health education on diabetes mellitus, group games, storytelling sessions, and the presentation of keepsakes.
Committee Chair: This Activity Brings Joy to the Elderly
Nuzulia Risqi, the committee chair, expressed that the aim of this event was to bring enthusiasm and happiness to the elderly. “We want the elderly to know that they are not alone. There are young people who care, who are present, and who respect them wholeheartedly,” she said.
Supervising Lecturer: This Is Education of the Heart
In his opening remarks, Lutfi Muzaqi, S.K.M., M.K.K.K., the supervising lecturer of the Public Health Student Association, emphasized that such activities provide learning experiences that cannot be replaced by theory alone. “We believe that the development of student character and empathy can only grow when they are truly present in the field. Serving the elderly is not only about giving, but also about listening and feeling,” Lutfi explained. He also appreciated the dedication of the committee and participants who had worked sincerely to organize the event.
Nursing Home Head: We Welcome UNNES to Return
Warm support also came from the nursing home. Mrs. Manis, Head of Pengayoman Nursing Home Unit, welcomed the students and expressed her gratitude for the meaningful event. “We are deeply touched by the attention given. These young people came with smiles and enthusiasm. The grandmas and grandpas were very happy. We are open and warmly welcome UNNES to hold future activities here again,” she said. The statement was met with enthusiasm by the students and supervisors, who saw the event not as an end, but as the beginning of a sustainable collaboration.
The event concluded with a group singing session and the handing over of a commemorative plaque, followed by a group photo filled with smiles and warmth. Many elderly residents expressed their gratitude directly, even hugging the students with emotion.
