UNAIR NEWS – Born in marginal group is not a choice but some of our nation’s generations have to live in unwanted condition. But every cloud has a silver lining, the hardships faced by kids in marginal area often touch our humanity as happened to Wachidatu Qomariah. The English Literature student of FIB UNAIR had a calling to give what she has to kids in Jagir area, Surabaya.

Started in 2015, the 2013 student  known as Icha, with a group of Urban Care Community did a community service program. For her, community service is not done only by giving lessons. Icha with her artistic skill has started angklung musical group named Harmoni Angklung Jagir.

“Kids development is not only about lessons, like this angklung, most of them are from the street so many can play the guitar, so we introduced them to traditional music,” she said.

For Icha, educating them on Angklung was not easy, at first she had to gave an introduction for the participants on angklung musical instrument. Slowly but sure, after three months practicing routinely, twice a week, it showed results. Even though they kept breaking the instruments and behaving during practice, finally the kids ready to perform on stage.

“For practice we choose period after dusk prayer, as I finish with my study in campus and the kids could have better focus as they have to go to school, recite Qur’an and help their parents,” she said.

After performing in many events in Surabaya, the kids which are mostly in elementary school (SD) also often performed in UNAIR. At least three songs for the performance, from national songs or request from the inviting party such as Airlangga Hymn.

“We often perform in UNAIR, from MKWU nationalistic school, PPKK events, debating contest in FH and other university events,” he added.

Interviewed after guiding her musical group in a performance in ACC UNAIR last weeks, Icha hoped that community services conducted by UNAIR students can develop and expand to wider society. He also said about the difficulty to find her cadre, also as she finishes college. The community service can change the kids’ future.

“Through this community, the kids won’t rely only on playing music on the street but also through the angklung performances,” she said.

She also added that not a penny of their money they get was for her. The fund or donation acquired was used for Harmoni Angklung Jagir.

“So when we get money from the performances, we use it for buying uniforms, fixing the instruments and other needs,” she said.

In the end of the interview, she felt proud of being able to see and educate them. She also emphasized the importance of young generation especially students to bring changes for the society. She was also glad as there are positive responses from the kids’ families and they even push her to keep working.

“I consider many of the kids’ family as my own, and they responded positively, they don’t believe that their kids change like now,” she said. (*)

Author  : Nuri Hermawan
Editor    : Dilan Salsabila