Empowering Communities: The Live-In Program by Sekolah Dian Harapan Manado
- prasetyoadi6
- Oct 21, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Sekolah Dian Harapan (SDH) Manado recently conducted a significant educational initiative through a Live-In and Community Empowerment Program from June 9–11, 2025, in Likupang 2 Village, North Minahasa Regency. This initiative involved 22 Grade 12 Sociology students and 7 accompanying teachers. Together, they worked to serve and learn from the local community.
Community empowerment is about supporting communities to become self-reliant, independent, and sustainable in a rapidly changing world. Through this live-in experience, students stepped out of the classroom and into real life. They learned directly from the community, engaged in daily routines, and made meaningful contributions.
Objectives and Educational Goals
This program was designed to meet the Sociology Phase F Learning Outcomes. These outcomes require students to design, execute, and evaluate community empowerment projects based on local wisdom. Beyond academic requirements, the program aimed to:
Cultivate student independence and adaptability.
Encourage collaboration and cross-cultural understanding.
Prepare students for future challenges in creative economy, tourism, and environmental sustainability.
Equip students with practical skills that support village development.
Project Planning & Community Collaboration
Before the event, students worked in groups to conduct field observations. They met with the village head to identify community needs. Additionally, they raised funds through a school bazaar to support their initiatives.
After five months of preparation, five key empowerment programs were selected:
English Conversation Training: Helping locals, especially youth, build basic English skills to support tourism.
Ecobrick Workshop: A sustainable and creative solution to plastic waste management.
Local Food Innovation: Developing local ingredients into marketable food products.
Digital Marketing Training: Teaching locals how to promote village tourism and small businesses online.
Natural Soap Making from Mangrove Leaves: Creating eco-friendly products that also raise environmental awareness.
Each program was carefully designed to align with the village's needs, natural resources, and long-term development goals.
Living with Local Families: A Transformational Experience
For three days, students lived with host families assigned by village leaders. They engaged in everyday activities such as cooking, fishing, helping with small businesses, and even assisting with laundry services.
Together with their peers and villagers, students conducted group discussions and implemented their empowerment programs. Teachers and students also initiated a coastal cleanup and supported other social activities to give back to the community.
Impact & Future Aspirations
The live-in and community empowerment program in Likupang 2 had a significant impact—not only on the village but also on the students themselves. It became a learning platform where students practiced leadership, empathy, and social responsibility.
This initiative is a stepping stone in preparing the next generation to be independent, creative, and socially engaged citizens. Through their efforts, the village of Likupang 2 continues to move forward, empowered by youth who care and contribute meaningfully to their surroundings.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
The Live-In and Community Empowerment Program by Sekolah Dian Harapan Manado exemplifies the institution's commitment to holistic education. By integrating academic excellence with spiritual and social development, we foster a supportive community. This approach facilitates collaboration among educators, staff, students, and parents, primarily serving families in Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya, Manado, Yogyakarta, and Tangerang.
As we reflect on this experience, we are reminded of the importance of community engagement in education. Programs like these not only benefit the communities involved but also enrich the lives of our students, preparing them for a future where they can make a difference.
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