Makassar, October 15, 2024. On October 15-16, 2024, a team of lecturers and educational staff from the Vocational School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) as a Source Vocational Higher Education Institution (Pertivsum) served as resource persons and moderator for a Training of Trainers (ToT) program for 35 lecturers and educational staff from Politeknik Dewantara Palopo. The event took place at the Arya Duta Hotel in Makassar. This ToT, titled “Training of Trainer Promotion Kits, Public Speaking and English Skills, Soft Skills, and Work Ethics,” is part of an initiative designed by Politeknik Dewantara as a targeted vocational higher education institution (Pertivsas) to optimize partnership efforts, not only with domestic partners but also with international ones.
The ToT program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on equality and access to education and partnership for the goals. By enhancing the skills of educators, the program aims to build capacity within the institution and improve the overall quality of education provided to students. This initiative reflects a commitment to development assistance and global partnerships, essential components for fostering educational equity.
On the first day of the ToT, Alfelia Nugky Permatasari, S.S., M.A., delivered a session on Public Speaking English Skills, while Erlin Estiana Yuanti, S.S., M.A., presented on Promotion Kits. The sessions were moderated by Safira Nur Anif, S.E., staff member specializing in partnerships at UGM Vocational School. The focus on public speaking and promotional skills is crucial for educators to effectively communicate and market their programs, thereby enhancing the institution’s visibility and attractiveness to prospective students.
The second day featured a session on Soft Skills led by drh. Clara Ajeng Artdita, M.Sc., Ph.D., from UGM Vocational School. This session emphasized the importance of teamwork related to communication skills, critical thinking, and problem solving. Additionally, Dr. Suaedi, S.Pd., M.Si., the Director of Politeknik Dewantara, delivered a presentation on Work Ethics, highlighting the significance of ethical behavior in professional settings. At the conclusion of the second day, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Politeknik Dewantara and Politeknik Bosowa. This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening partnerships and collaboration between vocational institutions, further promoting the sharing of resources and expertise. Such collaborations are vital for achieving the SDGs, particularly in fostering global partnerships for sustainable development.
The ToT program does not only enhance the skills of the participants but also contributes to the broader goal of improving educational standards in Indonesia. By investing in the professional development of educators, institutions can ensure that they are equipped to provide high-quality education that meets the needs of students and the demands of the workforce.
In conclusion, the involvement of UGM Vocational School lecturers in this ToT program exemplifies a commitment to capacity building and development assistance in the field of education, as well as encouraging stronger partnerships between fellow vocational education units and partners from the business and industrial world. By fostering equality and access to education, these initiatives play a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for students and the nation as a whole.