BENER MERIAH, ACEH — April 2026 — Five students from Syiah Kuala University have been formally honoured with Certificates of Appreciation by Volunteers Caring for the People Across Borders (Relawan Peduli Rakyat Lintas Batas) following their active involvement in a humanitarian aid mission in Uning Mas Village, Pintu Rime Gayo Subdistrict, Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh.
The recognition was awarded in appreciation of the students’ direct contribution to the distribution of humanitarian assistance led by Arizal Mahdi, Chairman of the humanitarian organisation. The initiative formed part of a social response programme aimed at supporting communities experiencing economic vulnerability in the highland region of Pintu Rime Gayo.
The students receiving the awards were Nur Salwa Afifah, Tiara Resti Winika, Rizka Aprita, Warasatul Ambia, and Adib Muntas Rawandi.
The humanitarian operation was conducted through a structured and accountable mechanism, beginning with the identification and verification of beneficiary households, followed by coordination with village authorities and the direct delivery of aid to residents. This process was implemented to ensure transparency, accountability, and accuracy in reaching those most in need.
The assistance provided included basic food packages and essential household supplies, aimed at helping families meet their immediate daily needs.
The participation of university students in the mission reflects a broader collaboration between the academic community and civil society organisations. Such cooperation is increasingly viewed as an important model for strengthening participatory humanitarian responses while fostering empathy, civic awareness, and social responsibility among the younger generation.
In a statement during the activity, Arizal Mahdi emphasised that humanitarian commitment must be demonstrated through genuine engagement with communities rather than remaining limited to symbolic expressions.
“Compassion must not only be spoken about; it must be present and visible. We want communities to truly feel that solidarity exists and that it can be relied upon,” he stated.
He further highlighted the importance of nurturing a cross-generational culture of social responsibility in Aceh, noting that the involvement of university students represents a promising sign of growing and sustainable humanitarian awareness among young people.
Representatives of the Uning Mas Village administration also expressed their appreciation for the presence of the Volunteers Caring for the People Across Borders team, accompanied by the participating students. According to local officials, the initiative delivered meaningful and immediate benefits to residents, particularly in helping to alleviate basic household needs.
Beyond the distribution of material assistance, the programme also included community dialogue sessions involving volunteers, students, and local residents. These discussions were designed to gather community perspectives and identify further needs that may be addressed through future humanitarian initiatives.
This participatory approach reflects an effort to build social interventions that extend beyond short-term relief, focusing instead on sustainable and community-centred solutions.
The presentation of these awards also reinforces the commitment of Volunteers Caring for the People Across Borders to encouraging the active participation of young people while strengthening cross-sector collaboration as a foundation for adaptive and sustainable humanitarian action.
In the mountainous landscape of Pintu Rime Gayo, the initiative represented more than the delivery of material aid. It symbolised the presence of social leadership working directly alongside communities—transforming solidarity into practical action and reaffirming humanitarian service as a lived commitment rather than merely a public narrative.
