UNU Jogja Management Students Bring Learning to Life Through Community Social Projects

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Students of the 2024 Management Study Program at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) have demonstrated that learning extends beyond the classroom. Through Social Projects implemented as part of the Strategic Management and Corporate and Social Organization Behaviour courses, the students carried out a series of community service initiatives that created meaningful impacts, ranging from children's education and orphanage outreach to environmental conservation.

The course lecturer, Dr. (Cand.) Firial Dhia Salsabila, S.Ak., M.M., explained that the Social Projects were designed to provide students with opportunities to apply the knowledge they had gained in class directly within the community.

"Our goal is for students not only to understand theories but also to implement them in real-life situations. Through these projects, they learn how to develop strategies, collaborate in teams, communicate with various stakeholders, and provide solutions to community needs," she said.

One group of students organized a program titled "Dare to Dream: Our Dreams Do Not End Here" at Mustika Tama Orphanage in Yogyakarta on July 3, 2026.

The program introduced basic English through interactive lessons on the alphabet, numbers, and simple vocabulary to approximately 30–36 children. The participants were also invited to write down their dreams and aspirations on a "Dream Tree" as a source of motivation to continue learning before the event concluded with the distribution of school supplies.

Team leader Anna Cipta Nurdiana expressed her hope that the program would have a broader impact beyond English language learning.

"Through the 'Dare to Dream: Our Dreams Do Not End Here' program, we hope the children not only gain basic English knowledge but also become more confident in pursuing their dreams and remain enthusiastic about learning. We believe every child has great potential that should be nurtured through education, motivation, and collective care," she said.

Another student group conducted a program titled "Learning English Fruit Vocabulary Through Gamification" at the Rumah Belajar Indonesia (RBIB) Community in Brontokusuman, Yogyakarta, on June 21, 2026. By using a team-based fruit picture guessing game, the students created an engaging learning environment for kindergarten and elementary school children.

The activity helped children expand their English vocabulary while increasing participation, classroom engagement, and learning motivation. The gamification approach proved effective in making the learning process more enjoyable and interactive.

Meanwhile, another group carried out a Personal and Environmental Hygiene Education program at Mustika Tama Orphanage on July 5, 2026. A total of 25 children participated in educational sessions on Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS), simple experiments demonstrating the importance of soap, educational videos, and interactive discussions.

In addition to the educational activities, the students donated essential supplies, wearable clothing, and handwashing equipment to support the orphanage's long-term needs. The program involved six Management students as organizers and five student volunteers.

Team leader Winie Puspa Angelia emphasized that the success of a community service program should be measured by the positive impact it creates rather than the scale of the event.

"For us, success is not about being the first or the greatest, but about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, no matter how small the contribution may be. We are grateful to have completed this project with the support of our team and all the volunteers who made it possible," she said.

Another student group also implemented a project titled "Revitalizing the Community Garden: Reviving a Sustainable Food Security Initiative" in RT 01, Tawangrejo Village, Bayat District, Klaten, on June 21, 2026. The project aimed to reactivate the community garden, which had been operating for nearly three years but had been inactive for the previous five months, resulting in many plants dying. Together with local residents, the students replanted various vegetables and reintroduced regular maintenance activities, including routine watering and plant care.

The initiative actively involved 21 women residents, who took turns watering and maintaining the plants each day. Local youth and other community members also participated in periodic activities such as fertilizing, planting new seedlings, and preparing planting media. Through this collaboration, the project sought to strengthen community participation while promoting local food security.

According to Noviana, the coordinator of the Community Garden, the initiative has provided significant benefits for local residents, particularly during periods of rising vegetable prices.

"The Community Garden has been very beneficial for the women in our neighborhood. When vegetable prices increase in the market, residents can purchase fresh produce from the garden at more affordable prices. The vegetables are also of good quality because they are grown using organic fertilizer. Beyond that, the garden has become a place where residents can strengthen relationships and exchange positive ideas," she explained.

Through these Social Projects, Management students at UNU Jogja strengthened not only their abilities in strategic planning, teamwork, and leadership but also their understanding of real community needs. These experiences have become valuable learning opportunities in shaping graduates with strong managerial competencies and social awareness.

As a university in Yogyakarta, UNU Jogja remains committed to producing graduates who excel academically while also becoming agents of positive change capable of making meaningful contributions to society and the environment. [Latifah]