The release of the Social Welfare Study Program's Institutional International Practicum (Photo: Social Welfare Multimedia Team)
Malang, August 1, 2024 – The Social Welfare Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), hosted the release ceremony for the *International Institutional Practicum* for its students. The event took place at the UMM Rectorate courtyard and was attended by the UMM Rector, the Dean of FISIP, lecturers, representatives from various institutions, and students participating in field practicums.
This practicum is part of the curriculum designed to provide students with direct experience in applying the knowledge acquired during their studies. The aim of the institutional practicum is to prepare students for real-world challenges and contribute to the improvement of social welfare in the community.
In his opening remarks, UMM Rector Prof. Dr. Nazaruddin Malik, SE., M.Si., stated, "The International Practicum Program is a reflection of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang's commitment to providing a comprehensive and global learning experience. Through this program, students not only have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge but also expand their international perspectives and networks."
Dr. Fauzik Lendriyono, M.Si., Head of the Social Welfare Study Program, explained, “This practicum aims to provide students with opportunities to develop practical social work skills both domestically and internationally. This aligns with future demands, as students must ensure that their knowledge makes a tangible impact in society. Before starting the practicum, students received preparatory training to strengthen their social work skills.”
The International Institutional Practicum involves six students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and 90 students from UMM. Eight UMM students will carry out their practicum at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital and Adab Youth Garage (an international NGO in Malaysia). The remaining 82 UMM students will conduct their practicum at various service units under the East Java Social Services Department and institutions managed by the East Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
The practicum locations include Malang Women’s Correctional Facility, Malang Class I Prison, Blitar Class I Juvenile Correctional Facility (LPKA), Child Care Services in Sidoarjo, Bina Laras Social Rehabilitation Center in Kediri, Tresna Werdha Elderly Social Services in Blitar and Pasuruan, Social Rehabilitation Center for the Deaf and Speech Impaired in Pasuruan, Bina Netra Social Rehabilitation Center in Malang, and the Peduli Kasih KNDJH Foundation.
This program is expected to provide students with invaluable field experience and foster their readiness to contribute meaningfully to social welfare efforts in both local and international contexts.
The release ceremony included a symbolic event where doves were released, representing the departure of students who will carry out their practicum at the designated institutions. The event concluded with a collective prayer, expressing hopes that all students will successfully complete their practicum, gain valuable experiences, and make a positive impact on the institutions and communities involved.
With the completion of this ceremony, students of the Social Welfare Study Program, FISIP UMM, are now ready to embark on their practicum journey, applying the knowledge they have acquired and strengthening their professional skills in the field.
