MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Yuli Isnaeni, Vice Rektor II of UNISA Yogyakarta, stated that 4,014 children have benefited from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program run by the university’s Nutrition Fulfillment Task Force (SPPG).
Yuli explained that this initiative is a part of the ‘Aisyiyah da’wah mission. UNISA Yogyakarta has been entrusted by the Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah (PP ‘Aisyiyah) to support and facilitate the establishment of the SPPG as part of the MBG program.
She further expressed hopes that teachers of ‘Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal (ABA) Kindergarten and ‘Aisyiyah’s preschools will guide children to eat properly and develop a love for vegetables and nutritious food. The beneficiaries of MBG program are not limited to ABA Kindergarten and ‘Aisyiyah preschools, but also include students from elementary, junior, and senior high schools, both Muhammadiyah and public, in Kasihan Sub-district, Bantul, Yogyakarta.
Chairperson of the Central Board of Aisyiyah, Siti Noordjannah Djohantin, highlighted the remarkable number of Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah educational institutions in Kasihan. There are 23 preschools and kindergarten established by the Branch Board of ‘Aisyiyah (PCA) Kasihan, not to mention Muhammadiyah elementary, junior, and senior high schools.
Reflecting on Muhammadiyah’s history, she recalled that the organization had founded Frobel School in its early days, underscoring that education has always been a key priority for K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, the founder of Muhammadiyah.
Through Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah education, young generations are prepared to become the nation’s future leaders. ‘Aisyiyah’s support for the government’s MBG program is not profit-oriented, but rather a form of contribution, both materially and through volunteerism, to provide nutritious meals for children studying at ‘Aisyiyah preschools, kindergarten, and public schools across Kasihan. This includes students at Muhammadiyah and public elementary, junior, and senior high schools. It is hoped that by receiving nutritious meals, children will grow healthier and smarter, ready to continue the nation’s legacy.
Noviatiningsih Sugiarti, Chairperson of PCA Kasihan, stated that the MBG program in Kasihan aims to strengthen the nutritional intake of ABA kindergarten and preschool throughout Kasihan. The socialization of the program was attended by all teachers affiliated with the Association of ‘Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal Teachers (IGABA) in Kasihan.
The implementation of the MBG program ant the operation of the SPPG are supported by the volunteer teams responsible for cooking, preparation, portioning, nutrition supervision, accounting, cleaning, security, and other essential tasks. (Bintang Adrian)
