Live-In & Community Empowerment by SDH Manado Students in Likupang 2 Village
- prasetyoadi6
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Sekolah Dian Harapan (SDH) Manado carried out a meaningful educational initiative through a Live-In and Community Empowerment Program from June 9–11, 2025, in Likupang 2 Village, North Minahasa Regency. The activity involved 22 Grade 12 Sociology students and 7 accompanying teachers, all working together to serve and learn from the local community.
Community empowerment is a process of supporting communities to become self-reliant, independent, and sustainable amid the rapidly changing world. Through this live-in experience, students stepped out of the classroom and into real life—learning directly from the community, engaging in their daily routines, and making meaningful contributions.
Objectives and Educational Goals
This program was designed to fulfill the Sociology Phase F Learning Outcomes, which 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 the fields of creative economy, tourism, and environmental sustainability
Equip students with practical skills that support village development
Project Planning & Community Collaboration
Prior to the event, students worked in groups to conduct field observations and met with the head of the village to identify community needs. They also raised funds through a school bazaar to support the execution of 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: Eco-friendly product creation that also raises 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 the 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.
