Sustainable Synergy in Motion: Lala Bumela and UIN SSC Interns Begin Innovillage 2025 Journey for Eco-Digital Literacy M-CALL in Sagarahiang, Kuningan
Cirebon, October, 21st 2025 — Driven by his vision of integrating sustainability with education and digital innovation, Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and Partnership UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, embarks on a new journey with the Global Engagement Team (GET) — a group of internship students — through Innovillage 2025, organized by Telkom University Bandung. This initiative marks another milestone in UIN SSC’s mission to merge global engagement with local empowerment. During the program’s virtual introduction meeting, Lala outlined a comprehensive plan “Eco-Digital Literacy through M-CALL (Mobile Computer-Assisted Language Learning)”, focusing on sustainable English learning systems for rural communities. The project will be implemented in Sagarahiang, Kuningan, where the fusion of technology, ecology, and language learning will promote both digital and environmental awareness. “Education must not only enlighten the mind but also sustain the earth,” said Lala Bumela, Ph.D., emphasizing his belief that literacy and sustainability should advance hand in hand under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The project’s roots stem from real social challenges faced by the local community of Sagarahiang. Many children in the area have dropped out of school or lack consistent access to education due to economic limitations and limited digital infrastructure. The absence of digital literacy has also created a gap between traditional rural lifestyles and the evolving demands of the modern world. This disparity became the driving force for Lala and his team to intervene through education-based technology. However, the task is far from simple — logistical constraints, limited internet access, and the need for culturally sensitive teaching approaches add layers of complexity to the mission. Yet, rather than being discouraged, the GET interns see these barriers as opportunities to innovate, learning how to balance compassion, technology, and pedagogy in real-world conditions.
In an internal coordination meeting, Lala Bumela, Ph.D. addressed his interns with inspiration and clarity: “Our mission in Innovillage is not charity — it’s empowerment. We’re not just bringing technology to villages; we’re building bridges between knowledge and humanity.” His words resonated deeply among the team, transforming their sense of responsibility into purpose. He explained that the true essence of internationalization lies not only in academic conferences or partnerships but also in meaningful community action that sustains both minds and environments. Through such guidance, the interns realized that Innovillage 2025 was more than just a competition — it was a living classroom where empathy meets innovation.
The Eco-Digital Literacy M-CALL model designed by Lala and his team integrates mobile-based applications with local teaching contexts, enabling flexible English learning even in areas with limited resources. The curriculum combines environmental awareness with linguistic development — for instance, vocabulary lessons drawn from local ecology related to sustainability practices. The GET interns play a crucial role in material design, field communication, and digital storytelling. To ensure inclusion, the team also plans to involve local teachers and youth volunteers in the implementation process. By uniting education, technology, and ecology, the program aims to create a sustainable model that can be replicated in other rural communities across Indonesia.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the Innovillage initiative has begun to show encouraging progress. The pilot version of the M-CALL program has received positive feedback from preliminary stakeholders, and preparations for field deployment are now underway. The project’s synergy between university expertise and community needs exemplifies UIN SSC’s commitment to aligning global educational visions with local realities. Each step forward — from research to implementation — reinforces the belief that sustainable education can indeed transform lives. The teamwork, guided by consistent mentorship from Lala, reflects how collective dedication can turn complex visions into actionable results.
Reflecting on the team’s progress, Lala Bumela, Ph.D. stated, “Sustainability is not just about protecting nature — it’s about nurturing minds that care for it.” His statement perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Innovillage 2025 and the heart of UIN SSC’s Global Engagement Team. The initiative embodies a harmony of intellect and compassion — where education serves both human and environmental well-being. As the project continues toward implementation in Sagarahiang, it symbolizes how sustainable synergy in motion can create lasting ripples of change, proving that when academia and empathy unite, progress becomes truly meaningful.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir