Becoming a Forestry Outreach Officer, IPB University Students Explain Forest Functions to the Younger Generation
Students from the Department of Forest Products, Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) at IPB University conducted a forestry outreach program with the theme ‘Fahutan Goes to School’ at SMA Negeri 94 Jakarta (13/12). Acting as forestry outreach officers, the IPB University students presented on the functions of forests and the environment to the younger generation.
This activity was done with the aim to introduce the study program options and campus life at Fahutan IPB University to the students. The socialization was attended and enlivened by students from various grades at SMAN 94 Jakarta who are planning to continue their studies to their dream university or are simply interested in gaining a deeper understanding about the field and job prospects in forestry.
Ikram Sanjani, the leader of the ‘Fahutan Goes to School’ socialization group, elaborated on how the activity is deemed as one of the steps to build the image and attract the interest of students in becoming a part of Fahutan IPB University students in the following year.
This was also conveyed by Dr Soni Trison, the Chairman of the Department of Forest Management at IPB University. He stated that a portion of the public still does not fully understand the importance of forestry outreach. With that in mind, it is necessary to conduct forestry outreach activities for the community, starting first with high school students.
Further, IPB University students provided insights on the crucial functions of forests and the environment for the younger generation. The topics covered include the importance of preserving forests, the role of forests in maintaining ecosystem balance, efforts to prevent deforestation, and steps that the public can take to protect the environment.
In addition to the presentations, the activity also included a question-and-answer session between the participants and the speakers. The students were very eager to broaden their knowledge and enthusiastic to ask questions about actions they could take in their daily lives to support the conservation of forests and the environment, as well as about career prospects in the field of forestry.
“This socialization feels important, because high school students still lack forestry information understanding and the fact that there is a shortage of workforce in forestry. It is hoped that this socialization can provide an overview of the perspective in determining the next educational level and future job prospects,” explained Naraya, a team member.
Besides that, the Fahutan Goes to School activity is also carried out as part of the final task for the Forestry Outreach Course. During the event, the students also provided information about admission pathways to IPB University, faculties and study programs, as well as fun facts about college life.
“From this activity, it is expected to increase student interest in delving into the world of forestry, especially in contributing to the mission of forest conservation together with Fahutan IPB University,” he concluded. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ZRT)
