FIB Unhas to assist university community affected by Covid-19

In line with its social responsibility, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, or FIB) of Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) distributed a number of aid packages to those affected by COVID-19 within the university’s community.

(This is a translation of an article first published on the Unhas website.)

This event took place on the terrace of the dean’s building of FIB Unhas, Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar, Monday (13/4).

The Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni of Unhas (Prof. A. Arsunan Arsin), Dean of FIB Unhas (Prof. Akin Duli), and FIB officials also attended the event.

Prof. Arsunan praised the initiative of faculty leaders in Universitas Hasanuddin to tackle the problem within the community, especially for Unhas students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I believe this donation will be of great help in the COVID-19 outbreak situation. We urge students to continue to stay at home or in their boarding house in order to break the chain of infection. [It’s also important to] focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, to wear a mask, and to wash your hands frequently with soap. It will protect us against the virus,” explained Prof. Arsunan.

Within this assistance, FIB Unhas included internet data packages for students, as well as masks. ‘Basic needs’ packages were also specifically given to campus cleaning staff, temporary education staff and security units.

Prof. Akin Duli explained that this activity was possible through the support from the academic community, lecturers and education staff at FIB Unhas.

“This is mutual aid. The lecturers felt moved to help students staying in university accommodation. Students need to attend online classes which means they use more internet data. That’s why we did this,” explained Prof. Akin.

Previously, vice dean for Student Affairs and Alumni of FIB Unhas (Dr Andi Faisal) and FIB officials surveyed students still living around campus and found they needed help with food supplies and internet quota packages.

“This is the first phase of [aid] activities, we plan to continue until the fasting month (Ramadhan), or until conditions improve,” said Faisal.

For the second phase, FIB Unhas will distribute aid packages to those who really need it in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“On Monday (20/4), we plan to allocate [aid] to students, cleaning staff, security units and temporary education staff that we know are in need. I hope this assistance can reduce the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak”, concluded Faisal.