Bantul – The Off-Campus Learning Program (Pembelajaran Luar Kampus/PLK) of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) continues to create meaningful impacts within local communities. One recent example is the community engagement initiative carried out by the @samskarapelita.mengabdi team at Bina Siwi Orphanage in Bantul, where students implemented a series of sustainable empowerment programs for children with special needs.
Unlike conventional community service activities that are often short-term, this program was designed to promote long-term skill development and independence among the children. The students organized a variety of creative training sessions that can potentially generate future economic opportunities, including photography, logo design, and handicraft production.
The program, conducted from late February to May 2026, involved 10 students from different faculties across UNY. The team was led by Virnanda Septiana Putri (Social Studies Education) as project leader, with Fadhila Dhiwa Suminar (Social Studies Education) serving as deputy leader. Other team members included Nadiya Nurusyfa (Fashion Education) as secretary, Revaneisya Sofie Yulviana (Social Studies Education) as treasurer, Farisa Ayuni and Larasati Az-zahra Gadis P. (Special Education) as public relations coordinators, Hilya Azzahroh (Fashion Education) and Widyasena Aryatama (Information Technology) in charge of publications and documentation, and Alfina Amelia (Social Studies Education) together with Muhammad Nafi Averroes (Information Technology) handling logistics and equipment.
According to Virnanda, the team's mission extended beyond simply providing assistance; it focused on equipping the children with practical life skills that they could continue to develop in the future.
"Our presence here is intended to broaden the children's knowledge by introducing new skills through workshops on photography, logo design, creating crafts from recycled bottles, making shibori pouches, decorating photo frames, beading, producing beverages from butterfly pea flowers, painting tote bags, and creating mosaics," she explained.
The program has already produced tangible results. While the children previously created only simple products such as mats and wallets, they are now capable of producing a wider range of creative items with greater commercial value. The logo design workshops also introduced them to the importance of product branding and identity, helping them better market their handmade products.
In addition to creative skills training, the students implemented environmental sustainability initiatives, including the construction of biopore infiltration holes and the cultivation of family medicinal plants (TOGA). These activities encourage the effective use of limited land for growing vegetables that can be consumed or sold, contributing to greater food self-sufficiency within the orphanage.
Beyond technical skills, the program has also strengthened the children's self-confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Throughout the activities, they actively participated, embraced new experiences, and demonstrated a strong determination to continue developing their abilities despite their challenges.
Bina Siwi Orphanage is home to approximately 40 children with special needs from diverse backgrounds. Although they face various limitations, these challenges have not prevented them from learning, creating, and realizing their potential. With appropriate guidance and encouragement, their talents have continued to flourish.
For the participating UNY students, the experience provided valuable lessons in empathy, patience, and the true meaning of community service. Their direct interaction with the children broadened their perspectives on education and social responsibility.
As the program concluded, the team expressed hope that the initiatives would continue beyond the duration of the project through the support of the orphanage and future volunteers.
"We hope the skills we have shared will continue to be developed and become valuable assets that help the children live more independently," Virnanda said.
Through this initiative, UNY's Off-Campus Learning Program demonstrates that learning beyond the classroom not only enriches students' academic experiences but also creates lasting, positive impacts for the wider community.
