ULM Medical Students Ignite Students’ Interest in Reading Through Himung Classes
MARTAPURA – Students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) at Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) once again held Himung, or “happy” classes, at SDN Karang Intan 2, Banjar Regency, on Wednesday (August 27, 2025). This program aims to foster children’s interest in reading and literacy from an early age.
The activity is part of the Student Organization Capacity Strengthening Program (PPK Ormawa) of the ULM FKIK Student Representative Council, in collaboration with the Banjar Regency Library and Archives Office. The primary support comes from a mobile library van, which offers a diverse collection of books and educational games for students.
Assisting lecturer, Ns. Agianto, M.N.S., Ph.D., emphasized that the students’ literacy activities have a long-term impact on village children. “Literacy activities like this can have a long-term impact on village children and serve as concrete evidence of students’ role in community empowerment,” he said.
The event opened with group exercise between students, teachers, and pupils, creating a positive energy before the main session. Afterward, the children were invited to read books of their choice, ranging from folk tales and fairy tales to popular science books. This session was followed by retellings of the readings, practicing literacy skills, memory, and public speaking skills.
Beyond reading, ULM students also presented a story-telling session filled with moral messages, which engaged the children enthusiastically. The activity continued with educational games that fostered cooperation and creativity, bringing the classroom atmosphere to life.
The principal of SDN Karang Intan 2 expressed his appreciation for the successful implementation of the Kelas Himung program. He hoped this activity would continue regularly, as it has proven effective in fostering a love of reading in students. The high level of student enthusiasm also demonstrated that this program is not just a literacy activity, but also a fun, creative learning space.
