SIBER: Encouraging Outstanding and Characteristic Teenagers
Amidst the challenges faced by teenagers, ranging from bullying, early marriage, to low nutritional and digital literacy, IPB University presents the School for Inspiring Talented and Achieving Teenagers (SIBER) as a relevant and down-to-earth educational space for the younger generation.
Through the Homecoming Lectures (Dospulkam) program initiated by the Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA), a team of lecturers (Dr Yulina Eva Riany, Rindang Matoati, SE, MSc, Dr Amiruddin Saleh, Dr Hudi Santoso, and Dr Johan David Wetik) conducted the SIBER program at SMA Kornita, Dramaga, Bogor, and was actively participated in by 210 students.
On the first day, Dr Yulina Eva Riany, Chair of SIBER, emphasized the importance of character as the foundation for the future of young people.
“The current character issues among young people cannot be separated from the lack of appropriate educational spaces. Activities such as SIBER are a strategic step to address these challenges,” she said.
During the session, Dr Yulina revealed that 60 percent of companies now prioritize applicants with good character (JobStreet, 2023). Character education is considered to play a role in preventing bullying, violence, and drug abuse.
On the same day, she also discussed wedding planning as part of life planning. Teenagers were encouraged to understand the risks of child marriage and the importance of emotional, educational, and economic readiness. This was also a response to the high number of early marriages in Bogor Regency.
On the second day, SIBER shifted its focus to adolescent nutrition and digital skills. Dr Cesilia Meti Dwiriani, a nutrition expert from IPB University, emphasized the importance of investing in nutrition during adolescence.
“Human resource development is not enough to focus only on the first 1.000 days. We must also invest in the next 7.000 days, that is, until adolescence is complete,” she explained.
The next session featured Nafila Syiffa, a young content creator who owns the Chipa ASMR channel. One of the best graduates of the Faculty of Human Ecology, she equipped students with the basic skills needed to become content creators.
“Where to start? Just go for it! You can edit using CapCut, the important thing is to be consistent,” she said, which was met with enthusiasm from the participants.
The principal of SMA Kornita welcomed the program positively. “Strong character and understanding of the future are important assets for them,” she said.
Through SIBER, IPB University promotes synergy between schools and universities in shaping teenagers who are healthy in character, nutrition, and digital literacy, while also preparing them for the future. This program is expected to become a model for youth education that can be replicated in other regions. (IAAS/VMH)
