Kampung Hija and UHAMKA Collaborate to Enhance Santri's Public Speaking Skills

Depok, 06 July 2024 - Kampung Hija is a house of study in Depok, West Java, led and founded by Ustad Asep Kurniawan. The beginning of Kampung Hija was due to the enthusiasm of the surrounding community to instill early religious knowledge in their children. On 26 October 2022, Kampung Hija became an institution engaged in the social community known as HCI (Hija Centre Indonesia). This foundation is involved in ta'lim, which carries symbols, culture, and Islamic religious law. With approximately 20 students when it was first established, they have been able to increase through various consistent and quality religious education programs.

On 6 July 2024, students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. HAMKA (UHAMKA) successfully held a Public Speaking training activity in Kampung Hija. This activity was held in the courtyard of Kampung Hija to add insight and knowledge to the students, especially in public speaking. 

Fuad Akhyar and his two colleagues, Aisy and Kesha, interviewed one of the participants, Alfani Alfian Azami, who is familiarly called Oping. Oping, who is 18 years old, explained that the daily life in Kampung Hija is a regular recitation, not a school or boarding school. However, some students live there, while others come only to attend the recitation.

All students participated in the public speaking training and mentoring activities from beginning to end. This activity showcased the students' skills by displaying their ability to develop public speaking. The students performed a variety of public speaking skills, such as bringing the event with two languages, namely English and Indonesian, chain speeches, and poetry musicalisation. The village head of Kampung Hija and UHAMKA lecturers and students also attended this activity. 

This activity had previously received training and assistance from UHAMKA students to speak in public. 'The aim is to add insight and knowledge, especially in public speaking,' said Oping. It is hoped that they will become MCs reading divine words in English, be able to give speeches in 2 languages, and play dramas in English.

In an interview with Mrs. Heni Novitasari, a facilitator of the activity, she stated that the activity went smoothly despite some technical obstacles. 'Technically, there must be some shortcomings. But operationally, Alhamdulillah, it went well,' said Ibu Heni. She emphasized the importance of cohesiveness in running this activity.

Mrs. Heni also revealed that the students were enthusiastic about participating in this activity because they needed facilities, infrastructure, and media to learn English. 'Hopefully, other lecturers also need to contribute to organizing activities like this,' she added.

This public speaking training activity took place at the beginning of June, and it consisted of four meetings a month, with the culmination of the event on 6 July 2024. The training was conducted in both outdoor and indoor education spaces. The students were taught various skills, from public speaking and reciting the Qur'an to bilingual drama.

Mrs.Heni hopes that this activity will benefit the students significantly. 'Basically, when students study on campus, of course, they must be able to pass on their knowledge to the community,' she said. This activity is expected to be an excellent example for other community service projects in the future.

The public speaking training activity held by students of Prof. Dr. Hamka Muhammadiyah University (UHAMKA) in Kampung Hija became a critical moment that not only improved the student's skills in public speaking but also opened up new opportunities for them in various fields. The support and active participation of the community, lecturers, and UHAMKA students have profoundly impacted Kampung Hija's development. Through this activity, the students can continue to develop their abilities and become a young generation that is smart, brave, and ready to face international challenges in the future. 

Written by: Aisy Nan Cendikia, Haya Aulia, Siti Fauziyah