Unismuh Makassar collaborated with Guru Belajar Foundation campaigning ‘Ayo Jadi Guru’ (Let’s Be A Teacher) program for the youth. It aimed to persuade Indonesian youth to see teachers as noble profession as honorable as the other professions. The collaboration demonstrated as the visit of Guru Belajar Foundation to Unismuh Makassar was welcomed by Prof Ambo Asse directly as the Rector of Unismuh. The meeting was conducted in the Rector office, Iqra building on the 17th floor of Unismuh Makassar, Tuesday (9/11).

Guru Belajar Foundation leader, Mahayu Ismaniar, explained Guru Belajar Foundation initiates teacher development programs in the Independent Learning spirit. “We believe teachers with this independent learning spirit will be a transformation key in education for creating competent students and the collaborative educational ecosystem,” she added. In Cilandak office, South Jakarta, the foundation initiated teacher and teacher leader development programs, teacher mentoring, and educational contents publication. One of the programs includes an internship at the Independent Campus program, which is currently running.

The Rector of Unismuh Makassah appreciated the collaboration offer. Prof. Ambo explained that Unismuh was concerned with preparing teachers to be ready to teach in public schools, schools under Muhammadiyah institutions, and other private institutions. It was strengthened by the presentation of the Vice-Rector I Unismuh, Dr Abd Rakhim Nanda, that ‘Let’s Be A Teacher’ was very appropriate to block the view that teachers are not an important profession. “This year, fewer students have interested in Teacher Training and Education Faculty (FKIP). One of the hoaxes about FKIP was the teachers are no longer needed. Consequently, we should collaborate with other parties to persuade the youth to be teachers,” Rakhim Nanda said.