By Sukino, S.Pd (Tutor at PKBM Al Zaytun)
The learning atmosphere at PKBM Al Zaytun was vibrant and full of enthusiasm. Learners from the Package A, B, and C programs joined forces with their tutors for a community service activity that doubled as an outdoor lesson, utilizing the surrounding environment as a real-world learning resource.
Held in the “Terasiring Pagar Abunawas” area of Al Zaytun, this activity was part of the center’s effort to provide learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. It offered learners hands-on opportunities to connect with their environment, collaborate, and develop skills with economic value.
During the activity, learners and tutors gathered various organic materials—primarily dried leaves—suitable for use as base ingredients for compost. The collected materials would subsequently be processed, ground, and mixed with cow manure and other livestock waste to create compost that benefits the environment and holds the potential to be developed into a marketable product.
From Dried Leaves to Economic Opportunity
The simple act of gathering dried leaves carried a profound educational message.
PKBM Al Zaytun encouraged learners to understand that what was previously viewed merely as waste could be transformed into something useful. By engaging with their surroundings, learners were guided to recognize opportunities for economic gain, creativity, self-reliance, and environmental stewardship.
This activity served as a practical implementation of economic education concepts, providing learners with firsthand experience in production processes, the utilization of local resources, and teamwork, while also exploring the potential to develop products with both utility and market value.
In this way, learning was not confined to theory; learners observed, took action, processed materials, and gained knowledge through real-world experience. TUTORS AND LEARNERS WORKING TOGETHER
The spirit of *gotong royong* (mutual cooperation) serves as the driving force behind this activity. Tutors do not merely act as instructors; they work side-by-side with the learners.
This sense of togetherness fosters a learning atmosphere that is more intimate, active, and enjoyable. Learners from the Package A, B, and C programs interact, collaborate, and assist one another in completing the tasks.
The values cultivated through these activities include mutual cooperation, responsibility, discipline, environmental awareness, independence, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
LEARNING THAT BRINGS THE ENVIRONMENT TO LIFE
For PKBM Alzaytun, the environment is not just a venue for activities, but a genuine learning laboratory.
Through the process of converting organic matter into compost, learners can integrate various areas of knowledge: environmental education, practical skills, economics, entrepreneurship, social cooperation, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
This embodies the approach to learning that PKBM Alzaytun strives to develop: learning from life, learning through experience, and creating something beneficial for life.
EDUCATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
This activity also represents a small step toward PKBM Alzaytun’s broader goal of developing economic education based on local potential.
The resulting compost is intended not only for local environmental needs but also to support productive activities that bolster the educational-economic program.
By utilizing locally available resources, learners are introduced to a simple principle:
Do not view something merely as waste. Recognize its potential, process it using knowledge, work on it collaboratively, and transform it into something useful. AL-ZAYTUN: BUILDING AND EDUCATING IN DEVOTION TO ALLAH
This entire series of activities embodies the driving spirit of PKBM Al-Zaytun in delivering education aimed at shaping individuals who are knowledgeable, skilled, caring, and self-reliant, and who possess a spirit of devotion.
This spirit aligns with Al-Zaytun’s motto:
“BUILDING AND EDUCATING SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF WORSHIPPING ALLAH.”
Through this community service activity, PKBM Al-Zaytun demonstrates that education is not merely about acquiring knowledge, but also about putting that knowledge into practice, caring for the environment, fostering togetherness, creating economic self-reliance, and benefiting others.
From dry leaves, learning emerges.
From community service, togetherness grows.
From compost, economic opportunities arise.
And from education, a generation is expected to emerge—one capable of building a life grounded in knowledge, skills, and devotion.
PKBM Al-Zaytun continues to move forward.
Learning from nature.
Creating together.
Building self-reliance.
Educating for life.
And serving solely for the sake of Allah.
Indramayu, September 26, 2026
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