The Asia Pacific Jesuit Education Consortium
As one of the Jesuit universities, Sanata Dharma University hosted the Asia Pacific Jesuit Education Consortium. Participated in by 10 Jesuit institutions from 6 different countries in Asia Pacific, the consortium was held on 30-31 October 2017 at Kadarman Room, Sanata Dharma University. The institutions who participated in the consortium were Instituto de Britto (East Timor), Sophia University (Japan), St. Aloysius Gonzaga English Language Institute (Myanmar), Ateneo de Davao University (Philippines), Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines), Ateneo de Naga University (Philippines), Ateneo de Zamboanga University (Philippines), Xavier University (Philippines), Xavier Learning Community (Thailand), and Sanata Dharma University.
From Sanata Dharma University, the consortium was attended by Drs. Johanes Eka Priyatma, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Rector), F.X. Ouda Teda Ena, M.Pd., Ed.D. (Vice Rector for Collaboration), R. Rohandi, Ph.D. (Dean of Education Faculty), and Dr. Titik Kristiyani (Head of Teaching and Learning Innovation). This year was the first time for the consortium, in which every delegate from each Jesuit institution gathered together to discuss and share their recent education challenges, experiences, as well as their knowledge on education development, especially Jesuit education in Asia Pacific.
On 30 October 2017, at 8 AM, the consortium was officially opened by Fr. Johnny C. Go, SJ as the Secretary of Education in JCAP (Jesuit Asia Pacific Conference). The purposes of the consortium were to brainstorm the vision and mission of Jesuit education, as well as some possible plan of activities for the next 3 years ahead in terms of education development among Jesuit institutions. In the consortium, each delegate from each institution had an opportunity to introduce their institution, both strengths and challenges, in their institution. Those challenges would become the consideration to decide the next development plans. Divided into several small groups, the delegates did the discussion on proposed activities which are needed and can be actualized for better education development.
After conducting several discussions, there are three selected activities which are expected to build the equitability of education quality, especially in Jesuit institutions in Asia Pacific. The activities include student and faculty exchange, online platforms, and conferences. The student and faculty exchange can be actualized by providing scholarships for students or faculties who want to learn or do teaching practice in another institution. In addition, the online platforms are realized by making a Facebook page and Website which will serve as a means of information exchange among Jesuit institutions. The last is holding a conference, with a particular theme, which is expected to broaden knowledge and skills, especially for educators nowadays. It would be more beneficial if the conference can provide some workshops in the field of education. Of course, these activities will be achieved by the intervention and collaboration of various parties. Later, Jesuit institutions in Asia Pacific can help and expand the field of cooperation with each other.
On 31 October 2017, the consortium was ended with dinner together, followed by watching Ramayana Ballet show at Prambanan Temple.