A Collaboration Between IPB University’s PKGA and the DP3AP2KB, The Special Family School Program Launches in Bogor Regency
The Center for Gender and Child Studies (PKGA) at IPB University, in collaboration with the Bogor Regency Office of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning (DP3AP2KB), organized the Special Family School (SKI) program.
This two-day program (5/19–20) was attended by 50 participants, comprising 25 members of Dharma Wanita and 25 members of the Family Welfare Empowerment Movement Team (PKK) of Bogor Regency, targeting families with marriages ranging from 1-20 years. On the second day, the participants’ spouses were also involved in the activities as part of strengthening family learning.
Embracing the spirit of building families as the foundation of a healthy and strong society, the Special Family School presented a variety of strategic materials. These ranged from positive communication within the family, conflict management, family nutrition and health, to family mental health. The materials were delivered by academics and experts from IPB University, including Dr Istiqlaliyah Muflikhati, Dr Siti Amanah, Dr Melly Latifah, and M Aries, M.Si.
Dr Yulina Eva Riany, Chairperson of the PKGA at IPB University and developer of the Special Family School, stated that this program is designed as a shared learning space for families to enhance their capacity in building healthy relationships, practicing adaptive parenting, managing family life effectively, and strengthening the family’s role amid ever evolving social dynamics.
“The family is the primary environment that shapes the quality of human resources. Therefore, families need to continue growing and learning. The Special Family School serves as a learning space that not only provides knowledge but also practical experience so that participants can apply it in their daily lives and become agents of positive change in their respective communities,” she said.
In the first session, Dr Yulina Eva Riany also emphasized that a healthy family is built through positive communication, mutual understanding, and the ability to manage differences and conflicts effectively. “Parents also need to continuously learn to adapt their parenting styles to the changing times so they can create an environment that optimally supports the growth and development of family members,” she said.
In addition to the lecture sessions, participants also took part in various interactive activities, including family communication role-plays, group discussions, focus group discussions (FGDs), educational games, quizzes, and participatory learning exercises to ensure the material can be applied in daily life.
The highlight of the program was the Special Family School Graduation Ceremony, held at the Rizen Premiere Hotel in Cisarua, Bogor. The ceremony was attended not only by the graduates but also by their spouses, as a show of support for strengthening the role of the family.
During the graduation ceremony, the Chairman of the Institute for International Research and Socio-Economic and Policy Partnerships (LRI PSEK) at IPB University, Prof Arya Hadi Darmawan, stated that the Special Family School represents one of IPB University’s contributions and responsibilities in delivering innovative programs that directly benefit the community.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the DP3AP2KB Office of Bogor Regency, Ir Sussy Rahayu, MT, also emphasized that the development of a quality society begins with families that continue to grow and learn.
Also in attendance were the Chairperson of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan of Bogor Regency, as well as representatives from the Bogor Regency PKK Mobilization Team. The Special Family School program is expected to serve as a model for sustainable family education to foster the realization of high quality, harmonious, healthy, and empowered families as the foundation for community development in Bogor Regency. (*/Rz) (IAAS/EXC)
