UNRAM’s KKN-PMD students conducted an educational outreach at SMPN 2 Keruak to combat early marriage in East Lombok. Targeting 300 students, the program raised awareness about the risks of early marriage and emphasized continuing education. The event received positive responses from both students and parents.
goodnewsfromstudent.com – In a proactive move to combat the high rates of early marriage in East Lombok, particularly in Keruak Village, UNRAM’s KKN-PMD students organized an educational outreach at SMPN 2 Keruak on Friday, July 26, 2024. This initiative targeted around 300 middle school students, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of early marriage and encourage them to pursue their education and dreams.
Khofifah Indah P., a KKN-PMD student, emphasized the vulnerability of middle school students to peer pressure and the importance of understanding the risks associated with early marriage.
“With around 300 participants, we aim to enhance their understanding of early marriage risks and motivate them to continue their education to achieve their goals,” Khofifah explained on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
Zarina Putri, another student, highlighted the concerning rates of early marriage in East Lombok, including Keruak Village.
“High rates of early marriage often lead to pregnancies at a young age, posing health risks to both mother and child. Keruak Village also faces a significant issue of stunting among children, partly due to early marriages,” noted Zarina, a student from the Management Program, Faculty of Economics and Business.
The event at SMPN 2 Keruak featured key speaker Erni Setiawati, AMd.Kep, from BKKBN Mekar Sari Keruak, and was attended by the school’s principal, Lalu Wirajaya, S.Pd, along with other faculty members.
The session covered topics such as the definition of early marriage, its negative impacts on health, education, and the future of young people. Real-life examples, including two eighth-grade students who married during the 2024/2025 semester break, were used to underscore the message.
The response from students and parents was overwhelmingly positive. The students demonstrated increased awareness and understanding of the risks of early marriage, while parents committed to supporting their children’s education.
UNRAM’s KKN-PMD students hope this initiative will serve as an effective starting point in reducing early marriage rates and fostering a healthier, better-educated, and more promising young generation.
