EDUKASI PARTISIPATIF UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PENGETAHUAN KESEHATAN LINGKUNGAN PADA KOMUNITAS MAHASISWA KRISTEN NIAS DI MINAHASA

Abstract

Environmental cleanliness problems in student communities may be associated with intensive collective activities, inadequate waste management, stagnant water, and inconsistent environmental hygiene practices. This community service program aimed to improve environmental health knowledge among members of the Nias Christian Student Community in Minahasa through participatory education. The program was conducted in the fourth week of May 2026 at the community secretariat in the UNIMA residential area, South Tondano District, Minahasa Regency. A Community Development method with a participatory education approach was applied through partner coordination, initial community assessment, planning, two educational meetings, evaluation, and follow-up planning. The materials covered environmental cleanliness, waste management and segregation, Clean and Healthy Living Behavior, and the prevention of stagnant water and vector breeding. Activity evaluation used pre-test and post-test scores from 20 participants. The mean score increased from 95.00 to 99.50. Six participants improved, 13 had unchanged scores, and one participant had a lower score. The Wilcoxon test showed a difference between scores before and after the program (p=0.037). Participatory education can serve as an initial approach to strengthening environmental health knowledge in student communities. Follow-up environmental actions, supporting facilities, and periodic monitoring are needed to translate knowledge into daily practices.