Program Adiwiyata “School Garden for Better Future” Sekolah Dasar (SD) Kristen Satya Wacana Salatiga

Abstract

Background: Environmental education in Indonesia aims to increase the younger generation's awareness of environmental sustainability. Student involvement in activities that support nature conservation from an early age is significant in forming pro-environmental behavior. The "School Garden for Better Future" program at Satya Wacana Christian Elementary School, Salatiga, is designed to provide an understanding of the importance of nature conservation and practical skills in agriculture. Method: The service partners in this program are 52 grade 4 students at Satya Wacana Christian Elementary School, Salatiga. Participatory approaches involve stages of coordination meetings, garden creation, monitoring, education, evaluation, and integration of service activities into the school curriculum. Data was collected through questionnaires, direct observation, and interviews and then analyzed using qualitative descriptive techniques. Results: The school garden has been successfully established as a dynamic learning environment. Education about ornamental plants and maintenance guides increases students' understanding of the living environment. Evaluation through filling out questionnaires show a high level of satisfaction among educational participants, with significant increases in knowledge and practical skills. The integration of community service activities into the school curriculum and extracurricular programs supports the sustainability of this program by involving active participation from students and teachers. Conclusion: Implementing the "School Garden for Better Future" Program at the Satya Wacana Christian Elementary School in Salatiga has achieved its primary objective, namely providing students with an understanding of the importance of nature conservation and practical skills in sustainable agriculture.