Weaving Global Tolerance: I-YES 2024 Participants Exchange Cultures with Students of Baitul Makmur School

HUMANIORA – (12/9/2024) The Cross Cultural Sharing Session, held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, was a significant moment in the International Youth Enhancing Study (I-YES) 2024 program in Malang. Hosted at Baitul Makmur School in Sawojajar, participants from I-YES, representing various countries, had the opportunity to meet and share experiences with students from different levels at the school. This event was designed as a platform for cultural exchange and cross-national learning, aimed at strengthening international relations through direct interaction.

The event began with a warm welcome from the students of Baitul Makmur School, who performed a modern traditional dance. The atmosphere became even more inviting when Drs. H. Rolla Gino Pribadi, Chairman of the Baitul Makmur Foundation, greeted the participants warmly. He emphasized the importance of this event in broadening students' horizons and fostering global awareness amidst the learning process.

“We are very proud to host this event. It’s not just a cultural exchange but also an opportunity for our students to understand that the world is vast, with various cultural backgrounds and traditions. This aligns with our vision of shaping a generation with global awareness,” he said.

During the session, I-YES participants had the chance to introduce their home country's culture to the students. They shared stories about customs, traditional foods, dances, and music from their countries of origin. The active participation of students from elementary to high school created an interactive and enthusiastic atmosphere.

A particularly notable moment was when teachers at Baitul Makmur School introduced Indonesian culinary delights, specifically from Java, to the I-YES participants. Traditional foods such as lemper, kue lumpur, risoles, koci-koci, and pastel were showcased as part of Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage.

Sarah Ali Qazwan, a participant from Yemen, expressed how valuable the experience was. “I am very pleased to share my country’s culture with the students here. Their enthusiastic response provides a new perspective on how our culture is received in other countries,” she said.

The session did not end with presentations alone; it also included group discussions involving I-YES participants and Baitul Makmur students. These discussions provided a space for both sides to get to know each other better, share experiences, and exchange inspiring stories. Such discussions are deemed crucial for fostering mutual respect among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Fatmanur Cerrah, a participant from Turkey, shared her impressions. “This cultural exchange is a very meaningful experience. By meeting people from various cultural backgrounds directly, we can better understand and appreciate the differences in our world. This is a very important lesson for all of us,” she said.

The Cross Cultural Sharing Session at Baitul Makmur School is a key component of I-YES 2024, aimed at facilitating intercultural dialogue and expanding the global perspective of participants. With a spirit of togetherness and mutual sharing, the event is expected to promote tolerance and enhance appreciation for cultural diversity among the youth.

Through such activities, the Faculty of Humanities at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang is committed to introducing Indonesian culture to the world and facilitating international participants in understanding the complexities and beauty of Indonesian traditions. Events like this strengthen the bridge between cultures, reminding us of the importance of cooperation and mutual respect in an increasingly connected world. [rei]