Community Empowerment

Empowering bawor durian farmers through training in bush pepper cultivation using stem cuttings

Aman Suyadi, Ade Rusman, Galih Wicaksono, Wigar Zada Syandana — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The decline in sales of Bawor durian seedlings, caused by the widespread proliferation of similar cultivars across Indonesia, has become a significant challenge for the Ngudi Makmur and Gangga Mulya Farmer Groups. This training program was designed as an innovative solution to provide farmers with an alternative income source through intercropping with bush pepper (Piper nigrum) cultivation. The main challenge identified was the farmers' lack of technical knowledge and skills in propagating this type of pepper. Therefore, this program aimed to enhance their capacity in bush pepper propagation techniques using stem cuttings. The capacity-building was conducted through various methods, including continuous mentoring, lectures, focused group discussions, and hands-on training. The lecture and discussion sessions covered the basic theory of propagation, such as identifying ideal cutting materials, growth media, and environmental factors influencing success. The practical sessions focused on the techniques of cutting stems and transplanting seedlings into the growth media. The results of this program showed a significant increase in the participants' knowledge and skills. A propagation demoplot was also successfully established. This initiative not only aims to boost farmers' income but also supports more sustainable agricultural practices.

Enhancing early childhood literacy through the habit of shared storybook reading at TK Mutiara Hati Tangerang

Zahroh Nurhillal, Fitria Budi Utami, Adelia Dwi Valentin, Tia Indriani Ningsih — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This community service program aimed to enhance early childhood literacy through the practice of shared storybook reading. The activities were conducted at TK Mutiara Hati, Tangerang, involving 35 students and 14 teachers. The methods employed included read-alouds, literacy games, and a hands-on practice of creating simple storybooks using stickers and pictures. The results showed a significant improvement in the children's literacy skills. A total of 30 children (85%) demonstrated enhanced ability to comprehend and retell story content. Children in this category were able to participate actively, for instance, in "show and tell" activities, and could recount stories in their own words. Furthermore, the program underscored the importance of synergy among educators, schools, and the environment in building a sustainable literacy culture from an early age. Further recommendations include the establishment of a reading corner, teacher training, and the consistent provision of access to quality books.

Optimizing the role of health cadres in dental and oral health based on primary service integration

Fuad Fatkhurrohman, Arimbi Arimbi — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Oral and dental health is a reflection of a community's quality of life. However, the incidence of oral and dental diseases remains high. Therefore, the prevention of these diseases requires cross-sectoral collaboration by optimizing the role of health cadres. The objective of this community service program was to enhance cadres' knowledge of oral and dental health and their social support for early detection of oral and dental diseases. The implementation method involved a training program for 10 health cadres from Petaranga Village who are concerned with oral and dental health. The training utilized lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and practical sessions. Post-program evaluation results showed a significant increase in the health cadres' knowledge and skills regarding oral and dental health, as well as the social support they can provide to individuals with these diseases. Quantitatively, the average knowledge score increased from 70 to 90, which was statistically significant (p=0.000), proving the effectiveness of the primary service integration-based training program.

Modernization of hydroponic farming using rice husk for community food security in Karang Langit, Lamongan

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rice husk waste is an abundant agricultural byproduct in Karang Langit Village, Lamongan, but its utilization is still limited, posing a potential environmental problem. This community service program aims to modernize agricultural practices by utilizing rice husk as a hydroponic growing medium to support food security and promote a circular economy. The methods applied include community coordination, carbonization of rice husks, preparation of the hydroponic system, and both theoretical and practical hands-on training. Evaluation results show a significant increase in participants’ knowledge by 32%. A total of 85% of participants successfully prepared a viable rice-husk-based growing medium, and 75% were able to cultivate and harvest leafy vegetables in the trial phase. Additionally, a farmer group was formed and is committed to independently continuing hydroponic practices after the program’s conclusion. These results confirm that utilizing rice husk as a hydroponic medium not only enhances community skills and self-sufficiency but also opens new economic opportunities. This model is recommended for replication in other agricultural areas to support local food security and environmental sustainability.

Enhancing high school students' mathematical skills: A training program on Winplot for solving quadratic equation

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 16:27:53 +0000

Mathematics is often perceived as a difficult and uninteresting subject, a sentiment shared by students at SMAN 1 Balen. One effective solution to this challenge is the integration of technology-based learning media. The objective of this community engagement program was to train and introduce the Winplot application to students at SMAN 1 Balen to aid in solving quadratic equation problems. This program was conducted in three phases: 1) Preparation, which involved an initial observation of the school to assess needs; 2) Implementation, where training on the use of the Winplot application was delivered through lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises; and 3) Evaluation, to measure the program's effectiveness. The results indicate that 70% of the students were able to competently operate the Winplot application and effectively use it to solve quadratic equation problems. This initiative demonstrates the potential of technology to make mathematics more accessible and engaging for high school students.

Preventing stunting with complementary feeding (MP-ASI) using local food ingredients

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Stunting leaves children susceptible to illness and impairs brain development, ultimately hindering the creation of a strong, capable generation. The purpose of this program was to equip healthcare cadres and community members with the knowledge to prepare healthy and affordable complementary feeding (MP-ASI) using locally available ingredients to improve children's nutritional status. With three cases of stunted toddlers identified in Jatimulya Village, there was an urgent need for intervention. The community service team collaborated with the Jatimulyo branch of Aisyiyah (a women's organization) and the Jatimulyo Village government to conduct a healthy MP-ASI training program. The training utilized local food ingredients, such as moringa leaves, spinach, and catfish. The methods employed included lectures, simulations, and a cooking competition. The evaluation showed a significant increase in the knowledge of both cadres and mothers of toddlers, with average scores rising from 81.6 to 92.3 after the educational intervention. A competition was also held, where representatives from each sub-village (RW) prepared nutritionally dense main and snack dishes, with three winning entries selected. In conclusion, utilizing local food-based complementary feeding can be an effective strategy for stunting prevention in Jatimulyo Village, Alian

Implementing STEM-based learning to support health programs at MI Muhammadiyah Paremono

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:04:37 +0000

The adoption of Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (CHLBs) at MI Muhammadiyah Paremono remains a challenge, primarily due to students' low awareness of hygiene, minimal health practices within the school environment, and limited access to interactive learning media. This community engagement program aimed to enhance students' understanding and adoption of CHLBs through a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) approach. The activities included developing a STEM-based health module, providing teacher training, socializing CHLBs among students, and promoting hygiene practices within the school environment. Learning was delivered interactively through experiments and project-based methods, such as a handwashing simulation using pepper powder to represent germs and the use of the HealthHeroes application to assess the nutritional value of food. The program's effectiveness was evaluated through observation, pre-tests and post-tests, and satisfaction surveys for teachers and students. The results showed a significant average increase of 35.2% in students' understanding of CHLBs, along with an improvement in their hygiene-related behaviors. Teachers also reported feeling more confident in delivering STEM-based health education. As a follow-up, the school will receive a self-evaluation guide and continuous support to ensure CHLB practices are embedded in the school culture. This program is expected to create a sustainable positive impact on health and hygiene within the school environment.