The Role of PEM Teachers in Building Students’ Collective Awareness of the Dangers of Malaria at SMPN 7 Pitewi

MALARIA PERDHAKI – KEEROM. Efforts to eliminate malaria in Papua continue to be strengthened through the education sector. One concrete example is demonstrated by Emanuel Yarsy Burung, a Malaria Elimination Motivator Teacher (PEM) at SMPN 7 Pitewi, East Arso District, Keerom Regency, Papua. Through an interactive discussion-based approach, he has successfully transformed the classroom into a hub for health awareness.

Emanuel realized that one-way lecture methods are not sufficient to instill deep understanding. Therefore, he regularly organizes class discussions that encourage students to actively ask questions and share their opinions. “We deliberately create a two-way discussion atmosphere. Students don’t just sit and listen to explanations—they participate, speak up, and ask questions so it’s easier for them to remember and understand,” Emanuel said while leading the class.

This learning approach is far from rigid. Students do not feel dictated to; instead, they are involved as discussion partners in exploring solutions to the health threats that still loom over Keerom.

A distinctive feature of the PEM Teacher program lies in the integration between classroom material and action plans. After each discussion, Emanuel and the students immediately design concrete steps, with a primary focus on maintaining cleanliness in the school environment.

Routine activities include cleaning up waste and eliminating areas that could potentially become mosquito breeding sites. Emanuel emphasizes that consistency is key. “It’s not just a one-time effort, because malaria prevention must become a habit both at school and at home,” he explained firmly.

The expected outcome of this program is not limited to the school environment. The knowledge gained by students at SMPN 7 Pitewi is hoped to become an “educational takeaway” that they bring home to their families.

Emanuel hopes that the students can act as extensions of health workers within their households. “What we hope is that these children become agents of information and drivers of change in their families. If they understand, their parents at home can also be protected,” he added.

This initiative at SMPN 7 Pitewi is part of the Malaria Perdhaki Program through SSR Dekenat Keerom-2. Active involvement from schools like this serves as a clear example that malaria elimination requires cross-sector collaboration—from religious leaders and health workers to educators on the front lines.

From the lively buzz of classroom discussions, meaningful change is born. Keerom Regency is moving toward a new dawn—a future that is healthy, resilient, and completely free from malaria.