Aceh Tamiang – The major floods that struck Aceh Tamiang Regency in November 2025 not only caused physical damage but also affected the psychological well-being of the community, particularly children. In response to this situation, students from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) participating in the Community Service Program (KKN) Group 20 in Sukajadi Paya Bujuk initiated an educational and psychosocial recovery program for children affected by the disaster.

The initiative was led by Fadhila Aureliya Putri Samsudin, a student from the Faculty of Psychology at UNY, together with her team members from various study programs: Syifa Nur Istiqomah (Primary School Teacher Education), Abna Agiel Restuning (Automotive Engineering Education), Wahyu Setyo Nugroho (Primary School Teacher Education), and M. Haikal Putra Zati (Geography Education). The program was implemented in Sukajadi Paya Bujuk Village, Karang Baru District, Aceh Tamiang Regency, during the KKN period from January 10 to February 3, 2026, under the supervision of Dr. Kuncoro Asih Nugroho, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.Sc.

Upon arriving at the location, the KKN team found that many students attended school without adequate learning supplies because their books, pencils, and other stationery had been damaged or swept away by the flood. Meanwhile, post-disaster recovery efforts in the area were still largely focused on infrastructure rehabilitation, leaving educational needs and psychosocial support for children not fully addressed. In response to these conditions, the students implemented two main activities. The first was a stationery donation drive conducted both online and offline. Through this initiative, the team successfully raised IDR 2,165,000, which was used to purchase stationery packages consisting of notebooks, pencils, colored pencils, and erasers. These packages were then distributed through TK Islam Miftahul Khairi and SD Negeri Paya Kulbi to students most affected by the flood.

The second activity involved psychosocial assistance through expressive drawing and painting activities. Approximately 135 children participated in the program, including 35 kindergarten students and more than 100 elementary school students. During the activity, children were given full freedom to express their feelings and experiences through drawings without thematic restrictions or evaluation. This art-based approach served as a cathartic medium that helped children channel their emotions and rebuild their self-confidence after experiencing the disaster. The initially quiet atmosphere gradually became more lively as the children enthusiastically showed their artwork to the facilitators.

The program had a positive impact on the children in the village. Their motivation to return to school increased day by day, and even the limited clothing they had after the flood did not diminish their enthusiasm for learning. Children who were previously quiet and withdrawn also began to show greater confidence in interacting with others and expressing themselves. This program also represents the contribution of UNY Psychology students in supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Through a simple yet meaningful psychological approach, the students aimed to help children recover and rediscover joy after the disaster.

For the community of Sukajadi Paya Bujuk Village, this initiative not only provided learning supplies but also created a safe space for children to heal, express themselves, and once again experience joy in the learning process.

Student contributor:
Fadhila Aureliya Putri Samsudin