The Role of Tutors and Alumni of Al Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM) in Educating the Nation’s Future
INDRAMAYU-JAYA NEWS.COM – The sky in Gabel, Gantar, Indramayu, slowly turned orange as the sun set. Amidst the gentle evening breeze, the Maghrib call to prayer echoed from the Ar-Rohman Mosque, inviting small steps toward the light. That night, not only was worship revived, but also hope rekindled.
Friday, March 27, 2026, marked a new beginning. One week after Eid al-Fitr, the mosque foyer was once again filled with children sitting neatly, their innocent faces ready to learn. Before them stood simple yet meaningful figures: Sri Wahyuni, a tutor, and Karsini, a student and alumna of PKBM Al Zaytun.
That evening, the recitation session opened with a warm and down-to-earth “ngliwet bersama” (learning together). Simple rice and side dishes were served in the mosque’s foyer, but what felt like more than just satiety was a sense of togetherness. The children burst out laughing, their spirits slowly revitalizing after a month-long hiatus during Ramadan.
But who would have thought that the light that now illuminates the Ar-Rohman Mosque began with simple anxiety six years ago.
From Concern to Movement
In 2020, when she first moved to the Gabel Block, Sri Wahyuni sensed something was different. Many children played during the day, but the nights were quiet, with no sound of recitation of holy verses.
“Isn’t there anyone teaching the Quran here?” she wondered.
From that anxiety, she took small steps. She invited the children to study at home, with only six of them on the first night. But the children’s enthusiasm fueled her. “I have lots of friends, Ma’am. Can I invite them tomorrow?” they asked innocently.
From there, everything grew.
With permission from the local religious teacher, the activity was moved to the mosque. The first night, there were 20 children. Then 30. Until finally more than 50 children attended, from preschool to high school age.
Not alone, Sri Wahyuni invited residents to study and alumni of PKBM Al Zaytun: Karsini, Yatmini, Sartinah, Nuriyati, and others. They not only help, but also act as mobilizers.
Living Learning, Not Just Theory
This journey does not stop at teaching to read the Koran. They present lively learning.
Through efforts to find donors, 70 Al-Qur’ans and 40 Iqro books were collected which were then distributed to children and mosque congregations. Activities are also made more interesting: from eating together, to commemorating Islamic holidays such as Isra Mi’raj and the Prophet’s birthday.
At that moment, the children appeared confident:
reading memorized letters, poetry, and even singing together.
More than that, regeneration is starting to be built. Older children are trained to be teachers for their younger siblings. A process that instills responsibility and leadership from an early age.
From “Looked Down” to Community Leaders
Change has not only occurred in the children, but also in the mothers: the students and alumni of the Al Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM).
In the past, they were looked down upon.
“You’re so old, what’s the point of going to school?” was the comment we heard.
But time tells us all.
Now, they appear as MCs at community events, lead murojaah (religious study groups), and even organize regular women’s religious study groups in the Gabel neighborhood and the Ma’had community. Names like Sartinah, Yatmini, Kristina, Hasanah, Umi Kulsum, Suryati, and Wasiyem are part of this change.
Their once fragile self-confidence has now grown stronger, thanks to the learning process not only in the classroom but also within the community.
Taking Root, Enlivening, and Inspiring
A simple motto they continue to uphold:
“Wherever the earth is stepped, there the sky is upheld.”
As migrants, they not only stay but also share the responsibility for building their community.
These efforts were also appreciated. The community provided facilities for children to study the Quran, and expressions of gratitude were expressed in various forums, including after the Eid al-Fitr sermon. Gifts of appreciation were also received, and returned in a more meaningful way: sharing a meal with the children.
A Light That Continues to Shine
What the tutors, students, and alumni of the Al Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM) in Blok Gabel are doing is more than just a Quran recitation activity. It is proof that true education doesn’t stop in the classroom.
It lives. It grows. It touches.
From the humble mosque porch, a more confident generation is born. From the hands that once learned, now come the hands that teach.
And in every verse that echoes through the Ar-Rohman Mosque, there is a burning hope:
that big changes always start from small, sincere steps.**
Reporter: Sri Wahyuni, S.Pd. (PKBM Al Zaytun Tutor)
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