A group of students from the Department of Nonformal Education at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) initiated a community empowerment program titled “From Waste to Blessings: Optimizing Circular Economy Empowerment for Widows through Eco-Friendly Prayer Bead Innovation.” Implemented from February to May 2025, the program was led by Rubiyantiningsih, Fitri Padmawati, Sabrinasurya Maharani, and Dinda Nurlisa Septiana. Targeting widows as a vulnerable group, the initiative not only aimed to reduce plastic waste but also offered new skills and income opportunities for the participants, in collaboration with LAZ Pundi Surga in Jetis, Sleman.
Using the Participatory Action Research approach, the program collaborated with Jogja Life Cycle Community, Salimah Community, Salman Al-Farisi Foundation, and various UNY faculties. After assessing the partners’ needs, the team collected plastic bottle caps from campuses and institutions to be transformed into beads for prayer bead production. UNY students acted as facilitators during the training sessions, supporting participants in mastering the craft and production process.
The program’s implementation during the Ramadan and Eid al-Adha seasons helped boost its potential impact. While product sales have not yet reached high numbers, feedback from participants, customers, and strategic partners has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to engage in meaningful, skill-based activities that enhance their self-reliance and economic prospects.
Looking forward, the team hopes the initiative will continue and grow into a sustainable community model. With ongoing support from educational institutions and social organizations, this program could inspire similar waste management innovations. It also highlights the importance of circular economy practices while promoting environmental awareness and community-based economic empowerment.
