Thursday, August 28th – Children from the Sekar Nagari Early Childhood Education Center (PAUD) at UNNES, along with members of the UNNES Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) conducted a meaningful educational visit to the UNNES Ecofarm. The visit aimed to instill environmental awareness and introduce various farming methods to the children from an early age.
The children enthusiastically followed every explanation given by the facilitators. They were taken on a tour to see firsthand the various types of vegetables being cultivated, including mustard greens, kale, spinach, chili peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes.
During this visit, the children not only observed but also interacted directly with nature. They were taught how to grow vegetables using soil, hydroponics (growing without soil using nutrient-rich water), and aquaponics (combining fish and plant cultivation). This practical approach made the learning process more enjoyable and understandable. The visit emphasized the importance of managing the environment around them, starting at home.
The Head of the Conservation Subdirectorate, which manages the UNNES Ecofarm, Prof. Dr. Nana Kariada Tri Martuti, M.Sc., welcomed the activity. “We are very pleased to see the children’s enthusiasm. This visit is a concrete step to foster a love of the environment from an early age. We hope they will become a more caring and wise generation in managing natural resources in the future,” she said.
Similarly, the Head of Sekar Nagari PAUD, Ms. Yayuk, expressed her gratitude for this opportunity. “This activity is very positive. The children not only learn theory in class but also gain hands-on experience. We believe that by introducing these simple farming concepts, they will have a greater appreciation for the processes and products of nature,” she concluded.
This educational visit is not only a recreational opportunity but also an important foundation for developing environmentally conscious character in children. It is hoped that similar activities will continue and inspire more parties to participate in environmental conservation efforts.
