Through Service, Babel State Polman Lecturers Develop Student Creativity with Eco-Printing
Lecturers from the Agriculture Study Program from the Department of Electrical and Agricultural Industry, Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Babel) held Community Service (PKM) by teaching eco-printing methods to MIN 1 Bangka students. This activity is part of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education which aims to increase students' environmental awareness and creativity from an early age.
The activity which took place on Tuesday (04/02/2025) involved five lecturers, namely Dewi Tumatul Ainin, M.Si., Nurkhasanah, M.Si., Priestiani, M.Si., and Laily Muharani, M.Si. A total of 20 MIN 1 Bangka students took part in this training, accompanied by several teachers who were enthusiastic about witnessing this nature-based creative method.
The head of the service team, Dewi Tumatul Ainin, M.Si., when met on Wednesday (05/02/2025), said that this activity had a positive impact on environmental education at the elementary school level.
“With the eco-printing method, children can understand the importance of preserving the environment in an interesting and creative way. "This is also a motivation for them to explore their creativity," he said.
Eco-printing is a natural printing technique that uses leaves and flowers to create patterns on fabric or paper. "Through this practice, students learn about biodiversity and how to use natural resources sustainably without destroying them," he added.
Furthermore, Dewi added that this method could be expanded to other schools through collaboration with related agencies. "We hope that activities like this can continue to be carried out and even integrated into the school curriculum on an ongoing basis," he added.
Apart from that, Dewi also encouraged accompanying teachers to help develop these skills so that students can use them more optimally. "The teacher's role is very important in ensuring students can continue to practice eco-printing after this training is completed," he said.
One of the MIN 1 Bangka teachers, Dini Annisa, appreciated the initiative of the Polman Babel lecturers. He believes that eco-printing not only broadens students' knowledge, but also introduces learning methods that are more fun and interactive.
“We are very grateful to the Polman Babel lecturers who have shared their knowledge with our students. "This is a valuable experience that can be an inspiration for children to care more about the environment," he said.
It is hoped that this activity will become a model of sustainable service, not only at MIN 1 Bangka, but also at other schools. "With eco-printing, environmental education can be packaged in a more creative, fun and applicable way for the younger generation," stressed Dini.