Adopting the Concept of Gamification, Trainscend, Created by IPB University Students, Builds New Hope for the Children of Samanggarai
IPB University students have once again demonstrated their genuine concern for education, especially for underprivileged children, through the Trainscend program.
Adopting the concept of gamification, this program provides an interactive, exciting, and valuable learning environment. This initiative was born from the Student Creativity Program team in the field of Community Service (PKM-PM) in collaboration with the Sahabat Anak Manggarai (Samanggarai) Community, Jakarta.
The goal is simple but meaningful: to help children strengthen their self-concept while fostering the courage to dream bigger.
The program is led by Muhammad Nicky Mardani (Food Technology/ITP) and his team, namely Novita Dwi Fitriani (ITP), Hanifah Nayla Safitri (ITP), Elis Purwanti (Family and Consumer Sciences/IKK), and Fadilah Resti Kusuma (Communication Sciences and Community Development). They are guided by Prof Megawati Simanjuntak, a lecturer at the IKK Department who is experienced in child development.
“We use the 4D-Quest approach, namely discovery, dream, design, and destiny as the main framework for our activities. We invite the children of Samanggarai to explore their inner strengths, formulate their dreams, design simple steps, and try to take real action,” said Nicky, the team leader.
To support the learning process, each child received a MyQuest pocket book, a daily reflection journal that encourages discipline and builds positive habits.
Furthermore, Nicky explained that the core of the Trainscend activity is divided into three pillars: MyCore, MyFuel, and MyConnection. MyCore focuses on shaping self-image. MyFuel cultivates insight into the ideal self and profession. Meanwhile, MyConnection hones social and environmental awareness.
The program culminates in MyArrival, a warm gathering that brings children together with their parents and community leaders. This moment becomes a space for sharing work and achievements, while also emphasizing the importance of family and community support in children’s growth and development.
Nicky revealed that during the series, the children’s transformation was clear. Those who were initially passive began to gain confidence, dared to speak in front of the group, and even expressed creative ideas. The game-based learning atmosphere proved to create a safe, enthusiastic, and enjoyable space.
“Trainscend wants to prove that education is not only about academics, but also the courage to dream and believe in oneself,” she said.
The children also seemed enthusiastic about participating in each session. They immersed themselves in games, put together puzzles about their strengths, and designed posters about their dreams. Slowly, those who were initially hesitant began to open up, especially with the simple appreciation given by the team as additional motivation.
“We hope that this enthusiasm will give rise to more similar initiatives in various regions, so that underprivileged children have equal opportunities to prepare for the future,” hoped Nicky.
Moving forward, he and his team plan to expand their impact through collaborations with educational institutions, local communities, and the government. The hope is that Trainscend will not just be a temporary program, but a sustainable movement that can ignite new hope for the younger generation. (*/Rz) (IAAS/LAN)
