Six weeks have passed since the 34 exchange participants of AIESEC (Association internationale des étudiants en sciences économiques et commerciales) in President University first arrived in Indonesia.
In the last week of their stay in Indonesia, the exchange participants who joined the Morning Sunshine 4.0 program had a chance to visit Harapan Island on August 13-18, 2019. Together with Divers Clean Action, the participants collected plastic waste on the coast or beach and processing it to be useful. They cut the plastic waste into pieces and create eco-bricks from it.
They also planted mangrove trees to prevent abrasion and improve the ecosystem of the coast of Harapan Island. The participants also do socialization to improve the awareness about the importance of taking care of the environment to some friends who were camping on the island.
On the other hand, the exchange participants who joined E-Millennials program visited Tidung Island on August 13-20, 2019. They focused on the activities that could improve tourism at Tidung Island. With Jejak Seribu dan Pusat Budidaya dan Konservasi Laut (PBKL) organization, the exchange participants planted mangrove trees and coral reefs at Tidung Kecil Island. They also had a chance to visited Ikan Paus Museum, turtle conservation area, and snorkeling at Payung Island. On the last day they stay at the island, they held a workshop “E-Millennials: Tidung for Sustainable Tourism” in collaboration with the local tour guide to discuss analysis, evaluation, critics, and suggestion to raise awareness on the importance to improve the tourism quality and sustainability of Tidung Island.
Finally, to officially end the programs, all the committees and exchange participants of AIESEC in President University held a farewell party on August 22, 2019. The exchange participants shared their experiences and remembering the togetherness that was passed during these programs.
“Being able to take concrete actions to do something positive and give back to the community is what I like about this program. It also builds my confidence and increases my self-esteem,” said Leanora, one of the exchange participants from Timor-Leste.
Related to this exchange program, Amy, one of the exchange participants from Vietnam left her remark message, “I can’t thank them enough for all the remarkable memories we have been spent together. I met stunning people from all across the world and has exchanged my experiences, opinions, and views of the world.” (SL/CC/AIESEC)