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UNAIR NEWS – Students from the Public Administration Study Program at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), ������ (UNAIR), carried out a Field Study Practice (PKL) through the Great Parents School (Sekolah Orang Tua Hebat/SOTH) program as part of their academic training and community engagement efforts. The activity was held at the Tenggilis Mejoyo District Office in Surabaya on June 2, 2026.

The program brought together a variety of stakeholders, including district government representatives, members of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) Working Group, SOTH participants, and university students. The event featured Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and educational sessions, providing a platform for participants to discuss family-related issues, parenting strategies, and child nutrition as part of broader efforts to prevent stunting and improve human development outcomes.

Students support community-based public programs

Muhammad Dzulfikar Al Ghofiqi, S.A.P., M.K.P., a lecturer in the Public Administration program, said students play a meaningful role in strengthening community-based public initiatives such as SOTH. He emphasized that students are not merely observers but active partners who can contribute valuable insights through academic analysis and field-based learning.

“Students serve as community partners who help assess and provide feedback on the implementation of the SOTH program. They are able to identify both challenges and successful practices in the field while contributing constructive recommendations to strengthen the program,” he said.

According to him, the field study program allows students to gain firsthand experience with the implementation of public policies and services while fostering collaboration among universities, government agencies, and local communities. “PKL functions as both a learning opportunity and a concrete demonstration of higher education’s contribution to society,” he said.

Building stronger families through parenting education

In addition to participating in the discussion sessions, students also served as facilitators for educational programs focused on family development. One of the student presenters, Zaskia Darojah, highlighted the importance of cultivating a positive self-image among parents as a foundation for effective and healthy parenting.

Darojah explained that effective parenting requires parents to adapt to their children’s individual needs and developmental stages, maintain positive communication, model good behavior, and encourage children to participate in age-appropriate activities. “Quality parenting is a critical foundation for supporting children’s healthy growth and development,” she said.

Darojah explained that effective parenting requires parents to adapt to their children’s individual needs and developmental stages, maintain positive communication, model good behavior, and encourage children to participate in age-appropriate activities. “Quality parenting is a critical foundation for supporting children’s healthy growth and development,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of balanced nutrition in childhood. “Children’s daily meals should include carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, and fruits to ensure optimal growth and development,” she said.

Author: Maia Chaerunnisa

Editor: Yulia Rohmawati