A Heartwarming Farewell: UNESA Volunteer Program Concludes with Storytelling and Creative Craft Activities
SURABAYA – The community service program entitled “Fun Learning, Strong Character Development”, organized by Group 37 (Batch 2) from the Early Childhood Teacher Education Program (PG-PAUD) at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), officially concluded on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The third meeting, which marked the final day of the program at the Pelita Insan Pembelajar (PIJAR) Foundation, was filled with joy, heartfelt emotions, and strong bonds between the volunteers and the children. Participants from various age groups enthusiastically took part in the closing activities, making the final session a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The day’s agenda began with a learning activity based on the Beyond Centers and Circle Time (BCCT) approach. The children sat together in a circle and participated in a Storytelling Session designed to enhance their language, communication, and social skills.
During the storytelling activity, each child took turns creating and sharing a story using unique stationery items they received through a spin-wheel game. To support children who found it challenging to organize their ideas, the university student volunteers provided friendly guiding questions and encouragement. This approach helped the children feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of making mistakes.
The spontaneous storytelling session successfully encouraged the development of language skills, creativity, confidence, and empathy among the participants. The children listened attentively to one another’s stories, learned to appreciate different perspectives, and practiced communicating their thoughts in front of a group.
As a special farewell activity and a meaningful way to create lasting memories, the program continued with a collaborative craft project. The children and volunteers worked together to create decorative photo frames using recycled cardboard materials. This creative activity not only promoted environmental awareness through the use of reusable materials but also strengthened the emotional connection between the UNESA volunteers and the children they had mentored throughout the program.
The craft-making session was filled with excitement, laughter, and teamwork as participants personalized their photo frames with their own artistic touches. The completed crafts became memorable keepsakes representing the friendships and experiences shared during the three-week community service program.
The program officially concluded with a reflection session, where children and volunteers shared their experiences, memorable moments, and lessons learned throughout the activities. This was followed by a closing prayer and a group photo session to document the meaningful journey they had completed together.
The successful implementation of this three-week community service program reflects the commitment of PG-PAUD students in expanding access to inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for children. Beyond providing academic support, the program fostered character development, creativity, communication skills, and positive social interactions, leaving a lasting impact on both the children and the volunteers.
Through activities such as storytelling, collaborative crafts, and interactive learning experiences, the program demonstrated how meaningful educational engagement can create lasting memories while supporting the holistic development of children in the community.
