Peran Volunteers dalam Program Sekolah Nusantara: Edukasi Budaya Batik dan Bangun Ruang bagi Anak

Abstract

This study aims to describe the participation of volunteers from Senyum Anak Nusantara (SAN) Salatiga Chapter in the Sekolah Nusantara (Nusantara School) program, focusing on spatial education and batik workshop activities for upper-grade elementary students (aged 7-14), and to identify the resulting impact on children as well as the supporting and inhibiting factors. The study was conducted at the Jadi Mulya Bersama (JMB) learning center in Salatiga, Central Java, during the program's implementation from September to November 2025. A qualitative method with a case study design was used. The informants consisted of active student volunteers within the SAN Salatiga Chapter core committee. Three volunteers were selected as informants through purposive sampling, based on their consistent involvement in the core committee throughout the program. The researcher served as the key instrument, supported by interview and observation guidelines. Data were collected through unstructured interviews, passive participant observation, and documentation, and were analyzed using the interactive model of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing, with validity ensured through source triangulation. The results show that volunteer participation occurred through decision-making, implementation, benefit sharing, and evaluation, and that the activities enhanced children's geometric understanding, creativity, motor skills, social interaction, confidence, and appreciation of batik as a national heritage. Supporting factors included participant enthusiasm and volunteer cooperation, while limited sponsorship and varied learning abilities were the main obstacles. It is concluded that volunteer participation played a vital role in the program's success, although findings are limited to one community and location.