MPBI Unismuh Student Builds Literacy Through School Journalism in Thailand

UNISMUH.AC.ID, Krabi, Thailand – A student from the Master of English Language Education program at Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar initiated a School Journalism Training themed Young Journalists, Strong School Voices at Eakkapapsasanawich Islamic School, Krabi, Thailand. The program, which will run for three weeks, from Tuesday, June 10, 2026, until July, involves the Students Council as main participants to build a literacy culture while enhancing journalistic skills and digital media production within the school environment.

The activity, initiated by Nurunnisaa Alimah A., a student from the Master of English Language Education (MPBI) at Unismuh Makassar, aims to equip students with skills in reading, writing, and managing information creatively, accurately, and responsibly through various digital platforms. The training is conducted through a combination of material delivery and hands-on practice to enable participants to become professional school media managers.

Nurunnisaa explained that technological advancements have changed how society acquires and disseminates information. Therefore, schools need to strengthen media literacy so that students not only become consumers of information but also capable of producing credible content.

"I initiated the School Journalism Training because I saw the great potential students have to become good information providers in the school environment. I want them not only to be able to write news but also to learn how to professionally report every school activity through social media," said Nurunnisaa during the event on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

She added that participants also received training in voice-over, podcasts, videography, photography, and techniques for creating informative and engaging content. "The hope is that students can become a school media team capable of publishing various achievements and activities of Eakkapapsasanawich Islamic School well to the public," she said.

According to Nurunnisaa, this training is part of an effort to build a sustainable literacy culture in schools. She believes that the ability to write news must be balanced with mastery of digital communication so that students can convey information effectively while understanding the ethics of producing and disseminating content on social media.

The Head of the Master of English Language Education (MPBI) Study Program at Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Radiah Hamid, M.Pd., appreciated the student's initiative in bringing journalism training as part of strengthening literacy and digital communication skills in international partner schools. According to her, the program shows that postgraduate students not only master academic aspects but are also able to make real contributions to educational development at a global level.

"We greatly appreciate Nurunnisaa Alimah A.'s initiative in providing journalism training for students at Eakkapapsasanawich Islamic School. This program demonstrates that MPBI Unismuh students are capable of integrating English language competence, literacy, and digital communication in the form of activities that provide direct benefits to partner schools," said Dr. Radiah Hamid.

Radiah explained that the School Journalism Training is an implementation of community service-based learning, which is one of the focuses of MPBI Unismuh Makassar in supporting the internationalization of education. She believes that cross-country experiences like this provide opportunities for students to develop professional competencies and expand international collaboration networks.

"We hope that collaborations like this continue to grow so that more students can contribute to improving the quality of education at the international level. Their presence is not only as participants in mobility programs but also as agents of change who bring learning innovations and strengthen the image of Unismuh Makassar at the global level," said Dr. Radiah Hamid.

During the program, participants learned various materials, ranging from the basics of journalism, news writing techniques, photography, videography, podcast production, voice-over creation, to school social media management. They also participated in practical interviews, event coverage, photo and video editing, and news writing based on journalistic principles.

According to Nurunnisaa, the practice-based approach was chosen so that students gain direct experience in content production. She believes this method can increase participants' self-confidence and develop the communication skills needed in the digital era.

Participant enthusiasm was evident throughout the training. One participant, Wafi Mitsalae, admitted to gaining many new experiences, especially in compiling information suitable for publication through school media.

"I was very impressed when learning how to construct news messages and organize content structure for each post, especially regarding the key terms that need to be included. I am proud to gain this knowledge and find solutions to various problems that I previously didn't know how to solve," said Wafi on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Wafi also expressed appreciation to the presenter from Indonesia who shared experience and knowledge during the training. He said the various materials provided opened new insights into more professional school media management.

"I also want to thank the instructor from Indonesia for their advice in this activity. This meeting was truly impressive for me," said Wafi.

Through this training, Eakkapapsasanawich Islamic School is expected to have a team of young journalists capable of professionally documenting every school activity and consistently publishing school programs, achievements, and activities through social media and the official website. The presence of a student media team is also expected to strengthen the school's image amidst the development of digital communication.

The School Journalism Training program is a form of collaboration between Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar and Eakkapapsasanawich Islamic School in improving the quality of education, especially in aspects of literacy, digital communication, and 21st-century skills. Through this activity, students are expected to grow into a generation that is not only proficient in writing news but also capable of becoming responsible content creators and information ambassadors for the school and community. Meanwhile, MPBI Unismuh Makassar hopes that similar international collaborations will continue to develop as part of its commitment to producing globally competitive graduates who make a real impact on the world of education.