The Dean of Teachers College Universitas Pelita Harapan (TC UPH) Connie Rasilim, S.S, B.Ed, M.Pd., points out that the these new teachers should understand tat they are in the world but not of the world. They exist to play their role and be impactful for the world. This statement was a respond towards the theme of the 2019 Graduation of TC and ITC (International Teachers College) UPH, ‘Set Apart’, held on May 29, 2019 at the Grand Chapel of UPH, Lippo Village with 367 TC graduates and 40 ITC graduates.
The theme was taken from Rome 12:1-2; it refers to the understanding that we have been set apart from the world, with a clear identity as God’s chosen people who has been rebirthed. The real task and challenge for these graduates is to live this theme. They have to be the light and salt wherever they are. ‘They are in the world, but not of the world’, they exist to be different from the world, and to play their role,” said Connie.
With the development in education and the current trend, Connie believes that the most evident challenge is the accessibility that the world offers. Digitalization, access to technology, and the plan that Indonesia’s government has for the Industry 4.0 have required us to take part in it. However, at the same time Connie sees this as a significant challenge. The simplicity offered by the world should be accompanied with graduates’ readiness to understand their identity.
“If they do not understand their identity, they are not solid in Christ, they will be consumed by the world. Moreover, at the same time, they also have to prepare themselves to be able to spread the truth in Christ with their own characteristic as the millennials. UPH is preparing them to do all that with its Biblical Christian Worldview based on Reform Theological Framework and an international standard through a partnership with Corban University,” Connie stated.
Upon seeing this challenge, TC and ITC UPH has committed to prepare their students as early as possible. This commitment has been shown with an education program in line with the program assembled by the Ministry of Research and Higher Education of Indonesia (Kemenristekdikti) in KKNI and IAPS 4.0 (Instrument for Study Program Accreditation) that has just recently been published in 2019 by the BANPT (National Accreditation Board for Higher Education). These two frameworks become the base for UPH to carry its vision and mission, and the output-based. With all of the commitment it has since it was established, TC UPH’s growth can be seen from the fruit it has bear.
“For 13 years since TC UPH was established, we have experienced many quality developments in our schools, especially Lentera and Dian Harapan which has reached out to people from Nias to Papua. The result can be seen in how our schools has become the role-model for other schools, wherever they are. This year, Sekolah Lentera Harapan (SLH) has also built two more schools in the mountains of Papua, there are a total of 8 SLH currently. The existence of our schools, and the TC teachers have greatly bear impacts. More or less, this could be said as the proof that TC is able to produce quality teachers,” she then stated.
With the ongoing development, Connie sees that TC UPH is able to contribute to the society and build it into a just and prosper society through the pillars of education. She is also convinced that TC UPH is ready to fulfill the need for character education in order to support the government’s program which aims for a quality human resource.
Talking human resource, UPH Rector, Dr. (Hon) Jonathan L. Parapak, M.Eng.Sc, also hopes that TC UPH graduates are able to be transformative individuals.
“Industry 4.0 needs the narration required by this era which talks about quality human resources with potentials and international qualities. The main narration here is related to creativity, innovation, communication, and collaboration. In Teachers College, however, we also prioritize spiritual narration which is fulfilled through a Christ-centered education and Godly character. We hope that the 367 graduates of TC and ITC are able to become the transformative agents who create human beings with quality, character, and faith. In addition, they have also been equipped with an international standard through our collaboration with Corban University.”
In the near future, Connie hopes that together, TC UPH will never be complacent for whatever it has achieved, but will always be committed in creating qualified teachers. She also hopes that they can keep creating teachers who really has a Godly character, who are able to contribute for the society.