In the context of digital transformation, accelerated by artificial intelligence, automation, and globalization, there is a growing need to rethink leadership as a human, ethical, and transformative competence. This editorial proposes that true leadership goes beyond administrative management: it involves inspiring, mobilizing, interacting, and supporting with empathy, self-awareness, and a critical vision. Leadership, viewed from an approach based on soft skills such as assertive communication, resilience, emotional intelligence, and collaboration, should be oriented toward collective well-being and the construction of inclusive and sustainable environments. Therefore, the key role of educational leadership as an agent of social change and guarantor of human development is highlighted. Finally, the need to train authentic leaders capable of responding sensitively and responsibly to contemporary challenges, contributing to a more just and equitable society committed to peace and sustainability, is emphasized.

This study examines how the Rifa'iyah batik tradition becomes a conveyance for self-actualization for Rifa'iyah women in public spaces, focusing on negotiating women's identity in existing social constructions. Located in Kalipucang Wetan, Batang, Jawa Tengah Indonesia. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with a post-structuralist feminist approach to reveal the dynamics of Rifa'iyah women's identity. Data were obtained through interviews with batik artisans and cultural observers, observations, and literature studies. The study results show that Rifa'iyah women can negotiate sociocultural structures through the batik tradition, changing society's perception of the role of women in the public sphere. They are not merely economic actors who contribute to family income but also agents of social change and cultural preservers. The gender identity of Rifa'iyah women is proven to be dynamic and continues to be formed through repeated actions and negotiations with prevailing norms. The implications of this study enrich cultural and gender studies, especially in understanding the interaction between gender, spirituality, and culture in shaping women's identity. This study also provides a new perspective on how women can utilize creative spaces to participate in the public sphere without violating the values ​​​​adopted by society. Research findings are relevant to women's empowerment efforts in traditional societies, showing that traditions can empower when interpreted and practised creatively.

This research examines female scholars globally and female scholars in Indonesia by examining the role of female scholars, aiming to analyze the role of female scholars in Islamic education, gender in Islamic education from the perspective of female scholars, and the contribution of female scholars in Islamic education. This research uses qualitative research techniques with a literature study approach (library research). Based on the findings from the review of scientific literature, female scholars in Islamic educational institutions have an important role as interpreters of religious texts but also as agents of social change by creating educational strategies that liberate, empower, concentrate on the needs of women, and develop curriculum with a gender justice perspective. Women scholars have succeeded in creating inclusive alternative plans and changing educational methods based on gender justice values despite some obstacles. Women clerics' intellect and spirituality are foundations for developing a contextualized Islamic education system. Intellectual contributions through writing and community engagement also expand Islamic education and gender equality to inspire generations of women in leadership.

ABSTRACTThe article examines the practices of Senegalese migrants involved in collective solidarity initiatives towards their country of origin, reflecting on their role as agents of development and social change. Drawing on qualitative research conducted in Tuscany, it analyses four types of aid initiatives—village‐based, religious, secular‐multi‐ethnic and international cooperation—through in‐depth interviews with key actors from both formal and informal groups. The findings highlight how group organisational structures shape both the nature of the initiatives directed towards Senegal and their effectiveness within the broader migration–development nexus. Furthermore, they reveal how different solidarity actions express, in varying ways, the migrants’ bond with their homeland through implicit registers of meaning that forge relationships between promoters and beneficiaries. By engaging with analytical perspectives such as circular migration, flexible return strategies, translocality and transnational development approaches, the article proposes a critical analysis of the migration‐development ‘mantra’, underscoring the need to move beyond simplistic or instrumental rhetoric, often dominated by destination countries.

Bullying in elementary schools is a serious problem that impacts the physical, emotional, and social well-being of students. This community service activity aims to prevent bullying through the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project at SDN 4 Awirarangan with the theme Build Your Soul and Body: Together Create a Comfort Zone, Free from Bullying. The program is designed using the Merdeka flow approach which involves a series of reflective, educational, collaborative, and real action activities such as filling out reflective questionnaires, discussions with resource persons, visual campaigns through posters, and anti-bullying declarations. The results of the activity showed active participation of students in recognizing their roles as perpetrators, victims, or witnesses of bullying as well as increasing awareness and empathy for the importance of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. This school-based approach has proven effective in building an anti-bullying culture from an early age, as well as strengthening students' commitment as agents of social change in the school environment.

Empowerment in this context is directed at adolescents to prevent early marriage. This study aims to explain the strategies of community empowerment in preventing child marriage through the Jo Kawin Bocah program and to evaluate its level of effectiveness in Bulu Sub-district, Temanggung Regency. The targets of empowerment include adolescents, parents, community leaders, and local institutions, with a focus on enhancing knowledge, skills, and self-confidence to enable informed decision-making regarding their future, particularly in delaying marriage. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and data validation carried out using source and technique triangulation. The results show that empowerment strategies through critical education, local capacity strengthening, and advocacy are effective in fostering reflective awareness and reinforcing the community's role as agents of social change. The program has succeeded in increasing community understanding and participation, reducing the number of early marriage dispensation requests, and shaping a more critical, independent society committed to protecting children's rights.

This article examines the relevance of Islamic education in addressing the challenges of the disruption era and globalization through the lens of modern social theories. Ideally grounded in the principle of tawhid and aimed at shaping holistic human beings, Islamic education is found to be insufficiently adaptive to social change, scientific advancement, and technological disruption. Utilizing a library research method, this study identifies philosophical and structural problems in Islamic education, such as the dichotomy of knowledge, outdated curricula, and weak integration of divine values with contemporary needs. By analyzing functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, the article argues for a redesign of Islamic education as a transformative, inclusive, and contextually grounded social system. It recommends a comprehensive reform of curricula, capacity building for educators, and integration of religious and scientific knowledge to reposition Islamic education as a meaningful agent of social change.

This study examines the role of educators as agents of social change in shaping the younger generation in the era of globalization and modernity. The aim is to analyze the contribution of educators in strengthening character, social awareness, and 21st century skills in students. The method used is library research by relying on available sources, such as literature, articles, books, and relevant secondary data. The results of the study show that teachers play a central role as educators, mentors, and moral role models, but face challenges such as demands for digital literacy, changes in student character, and administrative burdens. The strategies implemented include active learning, increasing digital competence, and strengthening character education. In conclusion, the strategic role of educators requires support from educational policies and innovations so that the younger generation is ready to become agents of social change in society.

Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia, as traditional Islamic educational institutions, have undergone significant transformations in recent decades. Adopting a modern curriculum is important to ensure that pesantren students have skills that are relevant to the times. By integrating religious and general sciences, pesantren can produce graduates who not only have a strong Islamic understanding, but are also competitive in the world of work. While existing studies have explored the integration of modern subjects into pesantren curricula in several regions, there remains a research gap concerning how this integration unfolds in East Java, where distinct cultural and regional dynamics influence educational practices. Therefore, this research aims at analysing the development patterns of pesantren in Indonesia in a case study of the Sidosermo Pesantren Area in Surabaya by highlighting how they integrate deeply rooted traditions with the demands of modernity. Using a qualitative approach, this study collected data through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and literature study. The results revealed that the pesantren managed to maintain traditional values, such as the teaching of the yellow book and grave pilgrimage, while adopting modern elements that include formal curriculum, digital technology, and professional-based management. This integration process not only strengthens the role of pesantren as centers of religious education, but also places them as agents of social change that are responsive to the challenges of the times. Nevertheless, pesantren are faced with a great challenge in maintaining a balance between maintaining tradition and innovating. This study demonstrates that the success of pesantren in facing modernity depends on their ability to hold on to fundamental Islamic values, open to global developments and information technology today. The recommendations include developing a hybrid curriculum combining religion, science, and technology; integrating e-learning tools; promoting pesantren-based economic initiatives; and strengthening alumni networks to support institutional growth and student careers. Pondok pesantren di Indonesia, sebagai lembaga pendidikan Islam tradisional, telah mengalami transformasi yang signifikan dalam beberapa dekade terakhir. Penerapan kurikulum modern menjadi penting untuk memastikan bahwa para santri memiliki keterampilan yang relevan dengan perkembangan zaman. Dengan mengintegrasikan ilmu agama dan ilmu umum, pesantren dapat menghasilkan lulusan yang tidak hanya memiliki pemahaman Islam yang kuat, tetapi juga mampu bersaing di dunia kerja. Meskipun studi sebelumnya telah meneliti integrasi mata pelajaran modern dalam kurikulum pesantren di beberapa daerah, masih terdapat kesenjangan penelitian mengenai bagaimana integrasi tersebut berlangsung di Jawa Timur, di mana dinamika budaya dan regional yang khas memengaruhi praktik pendidikan. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pola pengembangan pesantren di Indonesia melalui studi kasus di Kawasan Pesantren Sidosermo Surabaya, dengan menyoroti bagaimana mereka mengintegrasikan tradisi yang mengakar kuat dengan tuntutan modernitas. Dengan pendekatan kualitatif, penelitian ini mengumpulkan data melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi partisipatif, dan studi pustaka. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pesantren berhasil mempertahankan nilai-nilai tradisional, seperti pengajaran kitab kuning dan ziarah makam, sekaligus mengadopsi elemen-elemen modern yang mencakup kurikulum formal, teknologi digital, dan manajemen berbasis profesional. Proses integrasi ini tidak hanya memperkuat peran pesantren sebagai pusat pendidikan agama, tetapi juga menempatkan mereka sebagai agen perubahan sosial yang responsif terhadap tantangan zaman. Namun demikian, pesantren dihadapkan pada tantangan besar dalam menjaga keseimbangan antara pelestarian tradisi dan inovasi. Studi ini menunjukkan bahwa keberhasilan pesantren dalam menghadapi modernitas bergantung pada kemampuan mereka untuk berpegang pada nilai-nilai dasar Islam, terbuka terhadap perkembangan global dan teknologi informasi saat ini. Rekomendasi dari penelitian ini mencakup pengembangan kurikulum hibrida yang menggabungkan agama, sains, dan teknologi; integrasi perangkat e-learning; penguatan inisiatif ekonomi berbasis pesantren; serta penguatan jaringan alumni untuk mendukung pertumbuhan kelembagaan dan karier santri.

This paper discusses implications of globalization as it impacts educational practices, procedures, and policies. Because economic competition on a global scale encourages corporations to influence educators to replicate dominant culture values within classrooms, these patterns serve to create and valorise power differentials that prevent society members, including students, from participating fully in all aspects of a democratic society. A critical pedagogy beginning with Habermas' Ideal Speech Situation may serve to question practices, procedures, and policies that preserve power differentials that prevent students from developing their capacities for becoming agents of positive social change. About the Author Robert White has taught extensively in public school systems across Canada and is currently an Associate Professor at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. Research interests include critical literacy, learning and leadership, globalization, and corporate involvement in educational settings. His most recent books include Burning Issues: Foundations of Education (2004), The Practical Critical Educator: Critical Inquiry and Educational Practice (2005), and Critical Literacies in Action: Social Perspectives and Teaching Practices (2008).

Human Rights are often the main topic of problems in a region, sometimes as a society, Human Rights must always be voiced so that every individual or group gets a decent life and rights. But in some cases, especially in Indonesia, there are many news and problems where the main issue is Human Rights, from the lack of justice and humanity for some groups, in this case there needs to be an important agent for social change and balance in a country. Students who have the predicate as Agents of Change have an important role in society to continue to advocate freedom of expression and opinion. Students have many communities that are active in the field of voicing Human Rights, one of which is the Amnesty community, Amnesty is an international forum or community driven by students and almost every university in Indonesia has such a community. One of the mass media often used by the Amnesty community is Instagram. This platform is currently in demand by many generations, especially the younger generation, especially students. By using Instagram as a platform to voice Human Rights, Amnesty can attract people around and even outside those who cannot be reached to help voice Human Rights for the common good. Human Rights issues are not only within the scope of the University but also in the international realm.

In the digital age, professional athletes increasingly utilize social media platforms to engage with the public, advocate for social causes, and shape their personal brands. This study explores how such activities contribute to policy change in the sports sector. Employing a qualitative methodology, it integrates case studies, semi-structured interviews, and content analysis to examine athlete-driven activism on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. The findings indicate that social media enables athletes to amplify their voices, influence public discourse, and mobilize fan support, which can pressure sports organizations to reconsider and reform policies. However, the extent of this influence varies based on cultural context, gender dynamics, and levels of audience engagement. The research also identifies key gaps in current literature, particularly regarding the long-term effects of social media activism and its impact across diverse cultural settings. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of athletes as agents of social and policy change in the digital era.

South Africa is both politically and demographically a young nation, presenting unique opportunities and challenges for youth engagement in civic life. With over 60% of the population under the age of 35 years, young people hold significant potential to shape the country’s future. However, lingering socio-economic inequalities from the apartheid era – such as extreme poverty, high unemployment, and limited access to quality education – continue to hinder youth participation in meaningful civic action. This article argues that youth ministry, when framed within the paradigm of public practical theology (PPT), can serve as a transformative agent for civic responsibility and social change. Contribution: This article explored the role of youth ministry in fostering moral and civic formation among young South Africans. The discussion examined how youth ministry can move beyond traditional spiritual development to actively engage with issues of civic engagement and social responsibility. Key themes include the role of hope and morality in shaping responsible citizens, the intersection of faith and civic engagement, and the potential for youth ministry to serve as an empowering force for young people navigating socio-economic challenges.

Innovative strategies in developing the Visual Communication Design (DKV) community in the FISIP Wiraraja University environment. The approach used is descriptive qualitative with a case study method, through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and analysis of community activity documentation. The results of the study indicate that the DKV community is in the phase of forming and strengthening its identity, with student initiatives as the main driver. Innovative strategies implemented include the use of social media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) to build a digital identity and disseminate educational content, internal training based on needs, and integration of user feedback in design development. Community activities also reflect a collaborative and user-centered design approach, such as the preparation of visual templates and digital portfolio catalogs. However, the community still faces challenges in the form of limited resources, non-standardized training structures, and lack of external collaboration. This study recommends strengthening level-based training, integrating social and technological issues into design practices, and developing cross-sector partnerships. The FISIP DKV community has great potential as an agent of social and cultural change if innovative strategies are implemented sustainably and adaptively to technological developments.

This article examines the socio-economic role of women who grill sea fish in Kriyan Village, Jepara to improve their family's welfare. The formulation of the problem raised in this study is how is the socio-economic background of women who grill sea fish in Kriyan Village, the socio-economic role of women who grill sea fish in improving family welfare, and the impact of grilling sea fish on family welfare. This research was conducted in Kriyan Village, Kalinyamatan District, Jepara, using a qualitative approach, this study involved active women who work as sea fish grillers. Data collection was carried out by means of interviews, observations, and documentation, then analyzed descriptively. The results of the study indicate that the involvement of women in this sea fish grilling business makes a significant contribution to increasing family income and strengthening women's social position in society. The role of women who grill sea fish in Kriyan Village is very strategic in strengthening the family economy and encouraging social development in society and becoming agents of social change for the struggle for gender equality in society.

This article evaluates the pedagogical approach of the EU-funded project ‘Rewriting the Story: Gender, Media, and Politics’, designed to dismantle gender stereotypes in political news reporting and foster equitable democratic participation. Drawing on feminist and deliberative pedagogies and utilising the Participatory Action Learning and Action Research method, the project engaged over 400 students from five European universities. By creating safe and collaborative learning spaces, highlighting the meaningful visibility of students’ work, and fostering participation and inclusion, the project addressed intersectional inequalities in media representation and empowered students to become agents of social change. Further qualitative analysis of student outputs reveals the transformative potential of feminist pedagogies in cultivating gender-aware professionals and amplifying student voices. The project highlights the role of education in challenging systemic barriers to gender equality, promoting intercultural dialogue, and advancing democratic values within media practices.

This research examines the role of Majelis Ta'lim Berkat Sidin in Sangatta Utara as a non-formal educational institution in improving religious understanding and social life of the community. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results showed that Majelis Ta'lim Berkat Sidin succeeded in deepening the religious insight of the congregation through regular recitations that discussed aqidah, sharia and morals. Interactive learning methods, such as discussion and question and answer, increase participants' understanding of Islamic teachings. In addition, the assembly contributes to social solidarity through community activities such as fundraising and social services. However, there are challenges in developing facilities and improving the competence of teachers. This study confirms the importance of Majelis Ta'lim as agents of social and spiritual change in building harmonious communities based on Islamic values.

ABSTRACT This article explores Tanzanian teachers’ and school principals’ understandings of democracy and democracy education within a political context where democratic qualities are restricted. Building on theories of democracy, civic education and the role of schools as agents of social change, it highlights tensions between promoting democratic ideals and reinforcing state authority. Findings reveal an emphasis on knowledge transmission over discursive practices, prioritisation of elections, and limited focus on critical thinking, reflecting compliance with authoritarian norms. The study contributes to understanding how local political contexts shape educators’ approaches to democracy education, addressing gaps in research on civic education in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This study aims to analyze the role of political communication integration in the school curriculum on its impact on student activism in junior high schools. The study is based on the increasing role of civic education in shaping students' political participation, especially in the digital era, where students' have easy access to political information through various social media platforms. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study type. Data collection techniques include interviews, observations, and documentation taken from students, teachers, and activities at school and data analysis with the Miles and Huberman approach. The findings of this study that political communication in class and extracurricular activities increases students' knowledge of politics and their intention to participate in elections. Integration of political communication through discussion and use of social media enriches students political views and encourages them to voice political opinions openly. Civic learning experiences at school serve as strong predictors of students' offline political involvement, including in social movements and campaign activities. The implications of this study indicate the importance of political education in schools to form students who are more informed, critical, and active in political life, as well as strengthening the role of schools as agents of social change in building political awareness of the younger generation.

In a contemporary era characterized by rapid social, technological, and cultural changes, the role of Muslim adolescents in preparing for Islamic leadership is crucial. Teenagers are the next generation who have great potential to bring Islamic values into the lives of modern society. This article aims to analyze how Islamic character education, the integration of Islamic values with modern leadership competencies, and the involvement of teenagers as agents of social change can shape adaptive and integrity Islamic leadership. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach through a literature study of various scientific literature and supporting documents. The results show that Islamic values-based youth leadership development, accompanied by character strengthening and positive utilization of digital media, is an effective strategy in producing future Muslim leaders who are able to answer global challenges without losing their spiritual identity.