IPB University Empowers Youth with Character Building, Health, and Leadership Skills at Quality Youth School
IPB University, through the Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA) and the Center for Gender and Children Studies (PKGA), organized the 2025 Quality Youth School (SRB) program at SMP Negeri 1 Dramaga, Bogor Regency.
The program was attended by 110 eighth-grade students, featuring various interactive learning sessions on character building, adolescent nutrition and health, reproductive health, mental health, leadership, and future preparation.
The Chairpersom of PKGA IPB University, Dr Yulina Eva Riany, emphasized the importance of character education as the main foundation for the academic and social success of adolescents amid the rapid pace of digitalization.
“Today’s teenagers must be able to sort through information and think critically so that they are not easily influenced by negative things in the virtual world. Characteristics such as integrity, responsibility, and empathy become moral defenses that guide them toward true success,” said Dr Yulina.
She also encouraged students to cultivate empathy and concern for others as part of the excellent character needed in the future. According to her, empathy and collaboration are important strengths for preventing conflict and building a harmonious school environment.
Another session featured Dr Cesilia Meti Dwiriani from the Faculty of Human Ecology at IPB University, who presented material on nutrition and adolescent health. Adolescence, she said, is the second important period in human growth, marked by accelerated physical growth and cognitive development.
“Adolescence is a golden period whose health must be maintained. A balanced diet and active lifestyle will determine the quality of human resources in the future,” explained Dr Meti.
She highlighted the dual nutritional challenges faced by Indonesian adolescents. Some suffer from anemia and stunting, while others are overweight due to unhealthy eating habits.
Other speakers included Sera Budi Verinda, SSi, MBiomed from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Ismayanti Pratiwi, MSi, lecturer in Family and Consumer Sciences; and Dr Riati Sri Hartini, MSc, SpKJ, psychiatrist and lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine.
Through this SRB program, IPB University aims to strengthen character education and adolescent health as a crucial foundation for nurturing a new generation that is not only intellectually intelligent but also emotionally and spiritually mature. (dh)(IAAS/RWA)
