The Pekalongan Al-Quran Light Science High School Student Council Turns Waste into a Means of Entrepreneurial Learning

PEKALONGAN, GARISBUMI.com – Trash that still has sales value will become a means of learning entrepreneurship for students at Cahaya Al-Quran Science High School, Pekalongan City. Through the Baskara program or Nature-Friendly Waste Bank, OSIS invites school residents, Islamic boarding schools and local communities to collect and sort waste.

The collected waste will later be deposited every month to the Simbang Wetan Waste Bank. The sales proceeds are planned to support OSIS activities as well as introduce students to money management from activities that are beneficial to the environment.

Chair of the OSIS of Cahaya Al-Quran Science High School, Zacky Zakaria, explained that the program began with socialization and a waste bank management workshop. This activity is the first step in building a joint commitment so that waste is managed responsibly.

The OSIS acts as a driving force, while residents of schools and Islamic boarding schools in the surrounding area are encouraged to participate in collecting and sorting waste that can still be sold.

"The hope is that after participating in this activity, we can change our perspective from considering waste as something trivial to something that has economic value," explained Zacky.

Head of Cahaya Al-Quran Science High School, Rissa Shofiani, said the Baskara program was also directed at forming character and strengthening students' financial literacy. The habit of sorting waste is expected to help them understand the relationship between environmental concerns and economic benefits.

"The aim is to form character so that students get used to sorting and selecting waste, while at the same time realizing financial literacy. Waste is not just thrown away, but can also provide economic value," he said.

To support program implementation, the school collaborates with the Pekalongan City Environmental Service (DLH). Islamic boarding school managers, representatives of other schools, sub-district government and the surrounding community were also involved.

Chairman of the Berkah Housing Buaran Indah Waste Bank, Rugati, welcomed the initiative. According to him, waste banks in school environments can help reduce waste generation while expanding understanding about its management.

"It's very good, because with this waste bank we can reduce or process the waste in schools, both organic and inorganic," he said.

The school hopes that Baskara will develop into a shared habit that will continue even if the OSIS management changes. With this sustainability, the benefits of the program are expected to reach the school environment and surrounding communities.