MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, NORTH SUMATRA— As communities in Sumatra move from emergency response to post-disaster recovery, the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) has organized psychosocial support training for 600 teachers and students affected by recent hydrometeorological disasters. The program runs from 5-16 January, 2026, at the University of Muhammadiyah West Sumatra.
The training forms part of Muhammadiyah’s continued response to support education recovery and protect children’s mental health after disasters. The Muhammadiyah Disaster Resilience Department (LRB) is implementing the program in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Center for Curriculum and Learning (PKLPK Kemendikdasmen).
In addition, the initiative involves Muhammadiyah Provincial Board in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. Several Muhammadiyah universities are involved, including those in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, Aceh, and Bireuen, alongside provincial education offices in the three regions.
Helping Children and Teachers Cope With Trauma
Natta Hendriatti, coordinator of psychosocial services at Muhammadiyah’s National Disaster Response Post in Sumatra, said the training aims to strengthen the capacity of teachers and students to cope with psychological impacts after disasters, particularly flash floods that struck parts of Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra.
“During the transition to recovery, children and educators need safe spaces to restore psychosocial well-being so learning can gradually resume,” she said during a press release received on Tuesday (06/01).
The program helps students recognize post-disaster anxiety, learn basic stress-management techniques, and share experiences in supportive environments. Teachers, meanwhile, receive training to identify psychological distress, provide effective accompaniment, and design recovery action plans to ensure education services continue safely.
The sessions are led by MDMC facilitators and mental health professionals, including psychologists. A total of 600 participants—200 students and 400 teachers from public and private schools—are taking part.
MDMC hopes the training will help students manage stress and support teachers in safeguarding child-friendly, sustainable learning during recovery. (Bintang Adrian)
