HXP Volunteers Build Classrooms and Share Interfaith Experience at Daarul Uluum II Islamic Boarding School
By: Fany Aljihad,M.Biotech
Sukaraja, Bogor Regency – A group of 19 high school volunteers, accompanied by their leaders and supervisors from , has spent the past two weeks working alongside teachers and students of Daarul Uluum II Islamic Boarding School to build new classrooms. The project, carried out without the use of machines, is part of HXP’s global effort to help communities in need while providing life-changing experiences for young people. Luke, one of the leaders, explained that HXP selects its project locations based on several indicators, including economic conditions and safety, to ensure both the impact on local communities and the well-being of the volunteers. “We look at places that need help and that are safe for groups to work in,” he said. For many of the high school volunteers, this was their first time doing construction work. “Mixing cement and laying bricks is hard and exhausting, but it’s an important opportunity for them to learn teamwork and perseverance,” Luke said.
Luke (white T-shirt)—one of the team leader of HXP program
the group of students
participating in the HXP program working together to build the classroom wall.
Beyond construction, Luke emphasized how meaningful the cultural and interfaith exchange has been. “I’ve been able to have a few conversations about Islam, especially with Faruk, one of the teachers at Daarul Uluum II. It’s been awesome to see how faithful you are and how much love you’re trying to spread. This is my first close experience with the Islamic religion, and I’ve found so many similarities with my own faith. That makes me feel really connected,” he shared.
Luke also reflected on his impressions of Indonesia. “The people here are amazing and so welcoming. I’ve loved learning about the culture, the traditions, and even the small things like greetings and customs. It has really strengthened my faith in God and my desire to learn from others.” Before departing, Luke shared a message for the students of Daarul Uluum 2: “This country is beautiful and has so much to offer. If you work hard and focus on your education, whether it’s learning English, Arabic, studying the Quran, or other subjects, many doors will open for you. Education is the key to opportunities, growth, and the ability to bless the lives of others.”
The project at Sukaraja, Bogor Regency reflects HXP’s broader mission: empowering youth through humanitarian service, building cultural bridges, and strengthening faith across communities worldwide.
Salah satu kegiatan ekstrakurikuler santri di Pesantren Daarul Uluum Bogor adalah belajar menulis karya sastra, baik berupa puisi, cerpen, novel, kata-kata mutiara, bahkan menyusun cerita bergambar (cergam). Kali ini, akan ditampilkan satu karya sastra santriwati dari N. Huril Aini yang ditulisnya saat workshop menulis yang dilaksanakan sebelum pandemi melanda negeri. Puisi tersebut berjudul “Permatamu”. Sebuah puisi sederhana tetapi tak terlepas dari ciri khas kesantriannya. Dan hal itulah yang menjadikan puisi sederhana tersebut menjadi puisi yang sarat makna.
Misalnya, literasi dari sudut membaca santri Pesantren Daarul Uluum Bogor Kampus 1, memiliki program Friday With Books. Sebuah kegiatan yang bisa dikatan sebagai program jemput bola, tanpa harus mengunjungi perpustakaan, melainkan perpustakaanlah yang akan mengunjungi para santri dengan berbagai macam koleksi buku bacaan. Program ini bertujuan agar para santri memiliki jadwal membaca rutin khusus yang menyenangkan di ruang terbuka yang luas.
Tak kalah penting dari membaca, cabang literasi yang lain adalah menulis. Para santri Pesantren Daarul Uluum Bogor dibiasakan untuk memiliki kemampuan menulis yang baik. Dalam ranah menulis karya fiksi misalnya, tersedia wadah bagi para santri untuk berlatih menulis di dalam kelompok kepenulisan pesantren. Sebuah karya nyata dari para santri telah tertuang di dalam sebuah buku terbitan berjudul Tunas Serat, dan sedang berproses pula penyusunannya buku Tunas Serat 2, yang di dalamnya terkumpul beberapa karya santri berupa puisi, cerita pendek dan cerpen.