PGSD Unismuh Students Train Children's Craft Skills at Orphanage

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — Students from the Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD) Faculty of Teacher and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, held a Community Service (PKM) activity on Islamic and Muhammadiyah Values (AIK) at the Ummu Aiman Aisyiyah Orphanage Branch in Mamajang, Makassar, on Sunday, June 7, 2026. The activity, themed "Skills Training in Fabric Crafts and Embroidery Techniques for Ummu Aiman Orphanage Children," was attended by 15 children under the care of the orphanage, with the aim of enhancing creativity, fine motor skills, and self-confidence through crafting activities.

The training was conducted through direct guidance by PGSD students, starting from familiarizing with tools and materials, making patterns, the sewing process, and decorating the finished products. In addition to skills training, participants also participated in educational games and activities to reinforce Islamic and Muhammadiyah values.

The head of the organizing committee said that the program was an implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, specifically in the field of community service. According to him, students not only shared practical skills but also sought to instill values of character in the children at the orphanage.

"This activity is an implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, specifically community service. We want to share knowledge while instilling values of discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and independence in the children at the orphanage," said the Head of the Organizing Committee.

The activity began with an opening and welcome from the Ummu Aiman orphanage. The orphanage management expressed their appreciation for the implementation of the program, which they considered to provide new experiences and beneficial skills for the children under their care.

"We are very appreciative of the Unismuh Makassar students for providing a fun and beneficial learning experience for the children at the orphanage," said a representative of the orphanage management.

After the opening session, students and participants participated in introductions and icebreakers to create a more familiar atmosphere. This was done so that participants could feel comfortable before entering the main training session.

In the main session, participants learned how to make wallets made from flannel fabric, decorated with simple embroidery techniques using wool thread. Students provided direct guidance to each participant so that they could understand the stages of making crafts from start to finish.

Initially, some participants experienced difficulty using needles and thread. However, through intensive guidance from the students, they were able to complete their crafts independently until the end of the activity.

The head of the organizing committee explained that the training was designed to develop creativity and train children's fine motor skills. He added that the process of making crafts could also train participants' patience, precision, and self-confidence.

In addition to skills training, the students also held educational games with the aim of strengthening relationships with the children at the orphanage. This was then followed by a session on memorizing short verses of the Qur'an as part of reinforcing AIK values.

Dr. Alamsyah S.Pd.I M.H., a lecturer in Islamic and Muhammadiyah Values VI, said that the activity provided double benefits, both in terms of skill development and character formation. He hoped that the knowledge gained by the participants could continue to be developed after the activity ended.

"Through this program, it is hoped that the skills gained by the participants can continue to be developed so that they can produce creative and useful works in the future and increase the economic independence of the children at the orphanage," said Alamsyah.

Alamsyah also explained that simple skills such as flannel crafts could be a productive resource for children if developed sustainably. According to him, this ability has the potential to support future economic independence.

The activity was closed by presenting gifts to the orphanage, providing refreshments, delivering messages, and taking photos together. The activity took place smoothly and received positive responses from participants and orphanage management.

This PKM AIK program is one form of the commitment of PGSD students at Unismuh Makassar to carry out community service activities that have a direct impact on society. In the future, similar activities are expected to continue to be carried out to expand the benefits of education, skills, and character development for children in various social communities.