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The spread of Covid-19 has become a new challenge for education in Indonesia. Since the outbreak in March 2020, it has been almost two years the pandemic hindering almost all activities. Among many sectors affected is education where learning process has to be carried out from home to break the chain of Covid-19. The policy of online learning system has attracted public attention for evaluation. The criticism emerged based on two main factors, firstly; parents' complaints regarding the implementation of online learning amidst the uneven development of technological infrastructure in the country, secondly; the attitude of children is out of control  while learning from home.

Attitude in the common sense of national education system is known as character. The change in student's character when they are required to be in different place and situation has confirmed learning system acquires some improvements. The phenomenon have showed character building is a mere routine when they are at school. They are unable to apply it in the real life. As if they only behave nobly under the supervision of teacher, they are headstrong at home. What an erroneous attitude ! 

The National Curriculum emphasizes more on character-based education as the whole materials are aimed at enhancing student character. Through the Ministry of Education and Culture regulation no. 20 of 2018 concerning strengthening character building for children is a reference for teachers to emphasize learning oriented at improving character. It is not a specific subject within the curriculum, yet character is a value that must be embedded in student and the main educational goal of all subjects provided.

In this case, Thursina IIBS persistenly  innovates in developing student character amidst the pandemic. Online learning is not a reason for Thursina IIBS to lower the education standards. It is illustrated through the regular programs applied; firstly, Tahajjud Call. Tahajjud prayer is a mandatory program at Thursina IIBS. The habit must be continued at home. By managing the room divisions into the Whatsapp groups, it makes easier for the murabbi (room caretaker) to control their tahajjud activities. Those who do not perform Tahajjud prayer will be asked, reminded and encouraged by the Murabbi about the necessity of Tahajjud prayer for their later life virtues.

Secondly, tahfizh Al-Qur'an learning. It is one of the basic programs in Thursina IIBS for all students, in line with the mission of Thursina to have excellent graduates on Quranic basis. The objectives of reading and memorising the Quran daily intend to build young Quranic generation to create advanced civil society. Hopefully, the students have genuine enthusiasm to read the Quran, comprehend it fully, and practise the tenet in their personal and social lives as well.

The students of Thursina IIBS are the golden generation and the future leaders who will be the foundation of nation and state advancement. Well- maintained memorisation of the Quran would be a blessing for the family and neighborhood they reside. Furthermore, they would be inspiration and encouragement for wider community, initiating generation of loving the Quran. If Indonesia filled with tough young people with Qur'anic spirit, the country will be headed by the hafidz of Quran, ruling society based on Al Qur'an guidance.

Thirdly, Tazkiyatun nafs. In addition to the two programs mentioned, islamic values are intesified with tazkiyatun nafs (religious studies). The program held weekly on every thursday following Maghrib prayer. It teaches religious studies through some materials based on their levels. Tazkiyatun nafs discussion, furthermore, involves daily live practice of students thus it is closely related to them.

Fourth, Independence, a necessary aspect in  life, not a legacy of disciplined and independent parents, nor an intelligence can be learned through school. However, it is a life skill trained from an early age to not depend on others. The program instilled in Thursina IIBS students to be able to complete their own obligations by their own initiatives, without reminder and instruction from teachers and parents at home.

The independence program at Thursina IIBS  started with triviality, such as sweeping the room, making the bed, arranging clothes and cupboards, cleaning the bathroom and helping parents. From these simple activities, greater responsibilities followed; including performing obligatory and sunnah prayers without ordered, carrying out sunnah fastings even outside the supervision of teachers and parents, joining lessons, obeying all parental instructions at home, etc. Independent students would make proud teachers and families, since they are able to manage themselves from unallowed actions prohibited by law and religion, and would be a role model for extended society.

Based on the account above, the four programs of Thursina IIBS are considerable movements to shape golden generation with noble character, global insight, Qur'anic spirit and great independence. The program would be greatly managed with the collaboration of teachers and parents, specifically, when children spend most of their time with online learning at home during the pandemic. To educate them with certain excellent characters, both parties are required to have a consistent vision and mission.

*) By : Ustadz Apri Wardana Ritonga, M. Pd (Murrabi of Thursina International Islamic Boarding School)