Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has initiated a creative economy empowerment program for children under the auspices of the Al-Idris Neglected Children Community in Semarang City. Through a cross-disciplinary team, this community service program focuses on business incubation for making eco-friendly crafts using edu-ecoprint techniques based on ethnogreen.
Under the direction of the head of the community service team, Yahya Nur Ifriza, S.Pd., M.Kom., along with a lineup of UNNES academics, participants were taught the technique of transferring natural pigments from local leaves and flowers onto fabric media. The uniqueness of this program lies in the integration of Nusantara ethnic motifs, especially typical Central Javanese patterns, which provide aesthetic value while introducing local wisdom to the participants.
The training process began with basic techniques, such as the pounding method (pounding) to print leaf shapes onto tote bag media (tote bag). The children's motor skills and artistic sensitivity were honed firsthand as they arranged the composition of local flora to produce aesthetic and highly marketable visual patterns on pashminas, clothing, and souvenirs.
Not only were they taught how to produce, but participants also received comprehensive mentoring on business management. The training covered product quality standardization, cost of goods sold calculation, attractive packaging design, to digital marketing strategies utilizing social media and e-commerce platforms to reach a wider market.
This concrete step also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in poverty alleviation (SDG 1), quality education (SDG 4), decent work (SDG 8), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).
The head of the Al-Idris Community, Muhammad Syafii, expressed deep appreciation for the care shown by UNNES academics. This continuous collaboration is expected to open new horizons for the fostered children to grow into financially independent, creative, confident young people who care deeply about environmental conservation.
