On May 11, 2024, the Al Hidayah Institute of Courses and Skills (LKP) officially launched computer training. The event was attended by representatives from the Wadah Foundation, community leaders, tutors, and residents of the Rusunawa Blok 9 area in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. LPK Al Hidayah aims to provide teenagers in this community with essential computer skills, including software usage, web browsing, and safe internet practices. These skills will serve as valuable assets for their future employment opportunities.

Listyaningsih, commonly known as Lis, and her husband, Hasan Azhary, initiated their social activities in 1996 by organizing recitation sessions for children in a house near the Pluit Reservoir. Over time, their efforts expanded, and with the assistance of the Wadah Foundation, they established Komunitas Wadah Al Hidayah. In 2015, Komunitas Wadah Al-Hidayah relocated from the Pluit Reservoir area to the ground floor of the Penjaringan flats. They utilized a multipurpose room built by Yayasan Arsari Djojohadikusumo (YAD). Since then, their activities have grown to include Early Childhood Education (PAUD) programs, Learning Assistance (PENDAR) for teenagers, and an Integrated Service Post (Posyandu) for toddlers.

These activities indeed have a positive impact, particularly for children and parents residing in the flats. However, another significant issue arises: teenagers and young people frequently gather in the flats without any specific activities, potentially disturbing other residents. Additionally, their limited education and skills make it challenging for them to find employment.

Through the Wadah Universal Education Initiative (WUEI), Lis and Azhary realized their dream by establishing an LKP (Lembaga Kursus dan Pelatihan, or Training and Course Institution) that focuses on improving competencies, basic computer skills, and life skills for teenagers, to preparing them for the workforce.

The process of establishing LKP Al Hidayah began in January 2024, involving the development of an organizational structure and a one-year plan. Lis didn’t work alone; she was assisted by 10 tutors — Lilis, Nisa, Irma, Nur, Dian, Yuni, Amanda, Ega, Adit, and Wahyu. These dedicated teenagers from the Al Hidayah community balanced their jobs and other activities to fulfill their roles as tutors and peer educators for fellow teenagers participating in activities at Al-Hidayah.

In 2023, Yayasan Wadah organized a Leadership Camp to empower teenagers with knowledge, computer skills, and leadership training, preparing them to serve as LKP managers and tutors. Thanks to this camp, the 10 tutors developed a strong sense of responsibility toward the learning process. They collaborated on various tasks, including module creation, designing learning schedules, defining roles, and setting fees. Moreover, they demonstrated effective self-management and time management, emphasizing communication, responsibility, and commitment in their service provision.

Given that both tutors and participants fall within the teenage to early adult age group, they employed engaging and responsive learning methods, incorporating brain teasers tailored to individual characteristics and interests. As a result, participants became enthusiastic, creative, and confident in expressing their opinions and showcasing their skills. Remarkably, they completed module learning faster than anticipated. Additionally, the tutors infused spiritual content and encouraged participants to understand the purpose behind attending the computer course before the training commenced. Lis aspires for LKP Al Hidayah to produce graduates with exceptional character through this holistic approach.

Currently, the computer training, which is held every Monday to Wednesday, is attended by 17 people, divided into 2 classes, namely the youth class of 9 people, studying from 18.30 – 20.00 WIB and the adult class, followed by 6 young mothers and 2 fathers from 20.00 – 21.20 WIB. In the adult class, participants are expected to have basic computer knowledge so that they can help their children in doing schoolwork.

Rizki, one of the youth class participants, said that he was happy with the presence of this LKP. He hopes that LKP Al Hidayah Penjaringan can continue to provide space for teenagers and communities in the flat environment to improve their abilities, technical skills, and life skills to be ready to compete in the world of work.

Author: Dwi Septiani
Editor: Paula Stela Nova Landowero