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Inclusive education in early childhood settings emphasizes equal learning opportunities for children with special needs within regular classrooms. However, the implementation of inclusive practices in public kindergarten classrooms presents various challenges for teachers, particularly due to diverse learner needs and limited institutional support. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by teachers in teaching children with special needs in public kindergarten classrooms. Employing a qualitative descriptive research design, the study was conducted in a public kindergarten that implements inclusive education. The participants were kindergarten teachers selected through purposive sampling based on their direct experience teaching children with special needs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations, and were analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and issues. The findings indicate that teachers encounter significant challenges in managing children’s behavior and attention, implementing instructional adaptations without systematic planning, assessing inconsistent developmental progress, and coping with emotional stress. These challenges are further intensified by limited professional competence, lack of formal training in inclusive education, and minimal institutional support, including the absence of support teachers and specialist services. The study highlights the need for targeted professional development, structured instructional planning, and strengthened school support systems to ensure the effective and sustainable implementation of inclusive education in public kindergarten settings.

Early childhood is a critical period for growth and development, characterized by rapid changes in neurological, motor, sensory, and emotional systems. Stimulation during this stage plays a vital role, and non-pharmacological interventions such as massage and aromatherapy may enhance developmental outcomes. This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest control group design to evaluate the effectiveness of infant massage combined with aromatherapy. Twenty infants aged 3–12 months who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited and assigned to either a control group (infant massage only) or an intervention group (infant massage with aromatherapy). Growth parameters (weight, length, head circumference) and developmental outcomes were measured using the Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire, covering gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social domains. Infants in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in body weight, body length, head circumference, and developmental scores compared to the control group. These findings indicate that the addition of aromatherapy to infant massage provides measurable benefits for both physical growth and developmental progress. Combined infant massage and aromatherapy represent effective non-pharmacological strategies for early stimulation, supporting optimal growth and developmental trajectories in infants.

Implementation of the Youth and Youth Service Section (SPRP) Worship Program at the GKE Barimba Congregation in the context of developing the character of Christian teenagers and young people. Using descriptive qualitative methods, data was collected through in-depth interviews with youth and youth leaders who play an active role in development activities at the church. The results of the study revealed various challenges faced by teenagers and young people, such as peer pressure that affects worship motivation, a less engaging atmosphere of togetherness in worship, and differences in age and maturity levels between teenagers and young people that cause emotional distance. Their spiritual needs include relational aspects, a contextual understanding of faith, real spiritual experiences, and the formation of strong moral character to face the challenges of the modern era. Effective development strategies involve the active role of families in spiritual development at home, Christian educators as guides and motivators, the use of interactive learning methods such as Bible-based games and digital media that are relevant to the character of the younger generation, and the implementation of dynamic and creative worship services to increase engagement. The implementation of this program aims to form a strong Christian character and prepare teenagers and young people to become faithful, responsible individuals who are able to serve actively in the church and society. Close synergy between family, church, and education is a key factor in the success of spiritual development of the younger generation amidst rapid social and technological change.

This papper reviews a range of studies that examine the influence of cultural and religious differences on the effectiveness of the counselor–client relationship. The main focus is on how cultural identity and religious beliefs shape the way individuals understand problems, interpret personal experiences, and respond to the counseling process. The literature shows that differences in values, communication styles, and spiritual orientations can affect the quality of the relationship, especially during the stages of building trust and setting counseling goals. At the same time, counselors who possess multicultural competence and sensitivity toward religious diversity are better able to adapt their approaches so clients feel respected and emotionally secure. This review also highlights the importance of counselor self-reflection to avoid personal bias in sessions, particularly when working with clients from backgrounds that differ greatly from their own. By examining various academic sources, this article argues that an effective counseling relationship depends not only on technique but also on the counselor’s ability to understand the client’s life context. The findings of this literature review contribute to the development of more inclusive and culturally responsive counseling practices.

The phenomenon of children not attending school in Situhiang Village is still a serious problem that has an impact on the social, emotional, and sustainable development of children's education. This service program aims to design and implement mentoring based on the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach by involving parents, teachers, and the community as the main subjects in overcoming the causes of children not attending school. The ABCD method is used through the stages of asset mapping, expectation formulation, strategy design, action plan determination, and implementation of continuous mentoring. The results of the activity showed that the main causes of school absenteeism were related to children's negative experiences, family economic conditions, and social environmental pressures. Mentoring has succeeded in increasing parental awareness, strengthening community support, and creating a safer, more comfortable, and child-friendly learning environment. This program also fosters the collective commitment of residents to maintain the sustainability of education through the formation of education care groups. These findings confirm that community empowerment through an asset-based approach is effective in reducing children's risk of school dropouts, increasing primary education participation, and encouraging children's social inclusion in the community.

Background: Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by emotional instability and vulnerability to mental health problems such as anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. The increasing prevalence of emotional and mental issues among adolescents in Pekalongan City highlights the need for effective and accessible relaxation interventions. Methods: This community service program aimed to introduce and implement mindful meditation as a relaxation medium to help adolescents manage emotional and mental problems. The activity was carried out at SMP Negeri 13 Pekalongan through health education, guided meditation sessions, and reflection activities involving 23 students. Results: Evaluation results showed an increase in participants’ understanding of mindfulness and their ability to practice relaxation independently. Participants also reported reduced emotional tension and improved mood after regular meditation sessions. Conclusion: The findings suggest that mindful meditation can serve as a simple, low-cost, and effective strategy to promote emotional well-being among adolescents. Further programs are recommended to integrate mindfulness-based practices into school health promotion activities

This study develops an architectural design framework integrating fun and playful spatial characteristics with futuristic, science-based approaches to enhance children’s engagement with science and technology learning. Traditional learning environments are often rigid and fail to stimulate curiosity, especially among children aged 7–11. Utilizing a qualitative conceptual analysis, this research synthesizes architectural theory, neuroscience learning principles, children’s spatial psychology, and science-based design methodologies. The results show that playful spatial elements—dynamic forms, color contrasts, sensory interactions, and imaginative environments—significantly improve motivation, exploration, and conceptual understanding. Futuristic design components further support scientific literacy by projecting technological possibilities and integrating interactive digital tools. The study produces a conceptual architectural model linking playfulness, scientific experience, and future-oriented visualization. It concludes that learning environments must be intentionally designed to merge emotional engagement, cognitive stimulation, and technological representation. The implications extend to the design of children’s museums, science centers, and early STEM learning facilities.

This study aims to analyze the political strategies used by the candidate pair for Regent and Vice Regent of Malaka, Stefanus Bria Seran and Hendri Melki Simu (SBS-HMS), in winning the 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) in Malaka Regency. This research is based on the local political phenomenon in which the SBS-HMS pair successfully gained broad public support through effective political communication and political marketing approaches. The research method employed is descriptive qualitative, with data collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis is carried out using Firmansyah’s (2012) Political Marketing Theory, which includes three main aspects: political segmentation, political targeting, and political positioning. The findings reveal that the political strategy of the SBS-HMS pair was implemented systematically through voter segmentation based on socioeconomic backgrounds such as farmers, fishermen, youth, and women. The main campaign target focused on grassroots communities with strong loyalty. Meanwhile, the political positioning of the SBS-HMS pair was built through an image of experienced leadership, closeness to the people, and a strong commitment to regional development in Malaka. The conclusion of this study is that the success of the SBS-HMS pair in the 2024 Malaka Pilkada cannot be separated from well-planned political and communication strategies, grounded in community needs, and strengthened by an emotional connection between the candidates and voters.

This research examines the mentoring of nationalistic activities by students from the Al-Azhar Menganti Gresik Institute and field supervisors at MI Darunnajah Lebani Suko, Wringinanom District, Gresik Regency, in commemoration of Heroes' Day. Thru a descriptive qualitative approach, this program involves four main activities: the red and white parade, patriotic love songs, little warrior strokes (coloring and writing hero stories), and a colossal drama of patriotic fervor. These activities are creatively designed and based on direct experience to instill nationalistic values in elementary school students. The research results show a significant improvement in students in terms of courage, discipline, creativity, cooperation, and respect for national symbols such as the flag and national anthem. Collaboration between students as facilitators, teachers as pedagogical directors, and the school environment creates a conducive learning ecosystem where participatory methods are more effective than conventional approaches. This experiential learning approach not only enhances cognitive understanding of the struggles of national and local heroes but also builds emotional empathy and social skills. Positive impacts include high student enthusiasm, reduced learning boredom, and character strengthening in accordance with the Pancasila Student Profile, such as mutual cooperation and integrity. Overall, this mentoring program serves as a relevant model for non-formal character education that can be replicated in other schools to strengthen nationalism from an early age amidst the challenges of post-pandemic globalization and individualism.

This article discusses the role of Special Assistant Teachers (GPK) in creating an effective inclusive classroom, where all students, including children with special needs, can participate optimally in the learning process. GPK plays the role of facilitators, mediators, and regular teacher partners in accommodating diverse learning needs. This role is realized through individual needs assessments, adjustment of learning strategies, modification of teaching materials, and provision of academic and social-emotional support to students. The results of the study show that the success of inclusive education is greatly influenced by GPK's professional competence, especially in understanding the characteristics of children with special needs and implementing differentiatory learning. In addition, effective collaboration between GPK and regular teachers is a key factor in creating an inclusive and non-discriminatory learning environment. Institutional support, such as inclusive school policies, the availability of infrastructure, and the support of school leaders, also play an important role. This article emphasizes the need for sustainable professional development, clear division of duties, and supportive education policies to strengthen GPK's role in promoting inclusive education equity in Indonesia.

This study aims to describe the characteristics of AIESEC Future Leaders (AFL) promotional content on the Instagram account @aiesecupnvy using a descriptive qualitative approach and Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotic analysis. Promotional content was chosen as the focus of the research because it plays a crucial role in building audience interest and understanding of the self-development programs offered. The research results indicate that AIESEC UPNVY utilizes several types of visual and verbal signs designed to attract attention and build emotional closeness with its target audience, namely students and young people. Content highlighting program benefits, testimonials from previous participants in the form of single words, expressions of delegates' happiness, and symbolic videos about togetherness proved effective in creating social proof and strengthening AFL's image as a program that provides valuable experiences. This strategy aligns with the AIDA principle, where each piece of content is designed to attract attention, generate interest, cultivate desire, and encourage registration action. Additionally, using a cutting-edge approach thru creative visuals, short narratives, and authentic content strengthens the promotional appeal on digital platforms. Overall, this study concludes that the AFL promotional content has been strategically and innovatively crafted, enabling it to enhance the effectiveness of marketing communication and help strengthen audience engagement with the program.

This study analyzes how strategi politik identitas is systematically used by K.H. Rifa’i, S.H. in winning the 2024 Provincial DPRD Election of Jambi in the Bungo–Tebo Electoral District. The main issue of this research stems from the strong influence of identitas keagamaan in the political behavior of Jambi’s majority Muslim society, making religious figures occupy a strategic position in electoral contests. This study aims to explain the process of mobilizing identitas keagamaan, utilizing social networks based on pesantren, and constructing a religious image as political capital that contributes to electoral victory. The analysis integrates the concepts of politik identitas and voter behavior as a foundation to understand how collective identity and psychological perceptions of society work in determining political preferences. This study employs a qualitative approach with a case study method, using interviews, observation, and document analysis as the main data collection techniques. The results show that identitas keagamaan, jaringan pesantren, relationships with local religious groups, and the use of religious symbols become determining factors that shape emotional closeness and political trust among the community. This strategy enabled K.H. Rifa’i to obtain the highest votes and outperform the incumbent candidate. The contribution of this research lies in a comprehensive mapping of how politik identitas operates within a local religious political context, and how this strategy can alter electoral configurations and political support patterns at the regional level.

This community service program is designed to address the problem of low understanding of MA Taruna Islam Kraksaan students regarding the process of psychological development and self-potential. Many students do not understand the rhythm of development, abilities, and past experiences as important components in the formation of identity, which causes a lack of self-confidence, learning motivation, and ability adaptation. The main objective of this activity is to help students understand the laws of developmental rhythm, the law of survival, and the law of self-development so that they can gradually optimize their potential. Using qualitative methods, mentoring is carried out through lectures, group discussions, observations, interviews, and documentation. This ensures that students not only get theory but also engage in a reflective and participatory process. This program really helps improve students' understanding of self-development, as shown by increased self-confidence, motivation to learn, self-reflection skills, and readiness to face academic and social challenges. In addition, students show a more positive and adaptive attitude towards their potential in academic, emotional, and social terms.

This study focuses on mentoring activities for male and female students of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Khalafiyah Syafi’iyyah Zainul Hasan Genggong related to children’s development during the school period. The main issue identified is the lack of optimal learning motivation and independence among students, which affects their academic achievement and character formation. The purpose of this study is to improve students’ observation skills, creativity, critical thinking, emotional regulation, social interaction, and learning motivation in an integrated manner. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method with observation, interviews, and in-depth documentation as the primary data collection techniques. The findings indicate a significant improvement in students’ concentration, creative expression through drawing, logical thinking, emotional stability, harmonious social interaction, as well as motivation and discipline in learning. The mentoring activities provide a sustainable positive impact on students’ psychological growth and holistic development within the madrasah environment

This study aims to analyze the role of teachers in strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile (P5) as an effort to develop the character of third-grade students at SDN Kestalan. Strengthening P5 is an essential component of the Merdeka Curriculum because it functions to shape students’ character holistically through six main dimensions. However, the implementation of P5 in elementary schools still faces several challenges, such as uneven teacher understanding, less structured planning, and diverse student characteristics. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach with observation, interview, and documentation techniques to obtain in-depth data on teacher practices, integration strategies, obstacles, and the impact of P5 implementation. The results show that teachers have an adequate understanding of the P5 concept and strive to integrate it through interactive lectures, question-and-answer sessions, simple experiments, the habituation of the 5S culture, and creative projects that actively involve students. The obstacles encountered are generally related to discipline issues, emotional immaturity, limited facilities, and suboptimal parental involvement. However, these challenges can be reduced through personal approaches, positive motivation, support from school facilities, and collaboration with parents. The implementation of P5 has been proven to have a positive impact on students’ character development, especially in the aspects of politeness, cooperation, responsibility, and self-confidence. Therefore, the strategic role of teachers and the support of a conducive learning environment are key factors in the success of character strengthening through P5.         

This study focuses on mentoring activities for male and female students of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Khalafiyah Syafi’iyyah Zainul Hasan Genggong related to children’s development during the school period. The main issue identified is the lack of optimal learning motivation and independence among students, which affects their academic achievement and character formation. The purpose of this study is to improve students’ observation skills, creativity, critical thinking, emotional regulation, social interaction, and learning motivation in an integrated manner. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method with observation, interviews, and in-depth documentation as the primary data collection techniques. The findings indicate a significant improvement in students’ concentration, creative expression through drawing, logical thinking, emotional stability, harmonious social interaction, as well as motivation and discipline in learning. The mentoring activities provide a sustainable positive impact on students’ psychological growth and holistic development within the madrasah environment

The meaning of gratitude according to the perspective of the Qur'an and its relationship to modern human life which is influenced by technological advances, materialistic lifestyles, and social pressures. In the view of the Qur'an, gratitude is not merely expressed through words, but involves the awareness of the heart, verbal words, and real actions as a form of recognition of the blessings given by Allah SWT. Gratitude also functions as a reflection of faith that combines spiritual, moral, and social elements. In the context of modern life, the meaning of gratitude has shifted due to consumptive lifestyles and the culture of seeking recognition on social media, which has an impact on decreasing feelings of satisfaction and inner peace. This study uses a qualitative approach with a library research method through a review of the verses of the Qur'an, tafsir books, and various relevant academic literature. The results of the study show that the teachings of gratitude in the Qur'an play an important role in maintaining spiritual, emotional, and spiritual balance in the midst of modern life. The application of an attitude of gratitude has been proven to improve mental health, strengthen social relationships, and reduce materialistic tendencies. Furthermore, the value of gratitude can serve as a moral guideline for Generation Alpha, enabling them to balance technological advancement with spiritual life. Overall, the teachings of gratitude in the Quran remain universally relevant, not only as a religious obligation but also as a spiritual and social necessity that can bring happiness, serenity, and meaning to life amidst the dynamics of the digital age.

The development of Islamic banking in Indonesia faces challenges in attracting customers, especially younger generations who are more familiar with digital technology. Digital marketing has become an important strategy for reaching a wider market segment through social media, websites, and mobile applications. This study uses a literature review method to analyze the effectiveness of digital marketing in increasing customer interest in Islamic banking. The results of the study show that educational, interactive, and transparent digital marketing can increase customer awareness, trust, and emotional attachment to Islamic products. The factors for the success of this strategy include content quality, ease of access to digital services, content segmentation according to customer profiles, and multichannel communication integration. However, the effectiveness of digital marketing is still limited by the scarcity of educational content, human resource capacity, and the level of digital literacy among the public. This study concludes that optimizing creative, personalized, and educational digital marketing strategies is key for Islamic banking to increase customer interest and loyalty.

This study analyzes the influence of Digital Marketing Strategy and Brand Image on consumer purchasing decisions and tests the role of Brand Awareness as a moderating variable at Moringa Coffee and Eatery. Data collection was conducted using a Likert scale questionnaire and processed using SmartPLS 4.0 with a quantitative PLS method approach. The results show that Digital Marketing Strategy and Brand Image have a significant effect on purchasing decisions. However, Brand Awareness does not act as a moderating variable because it does not strengthen the relationship between the two on Purchase Decisions. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing digital marketing strategies and strengthening brand image, as well as the need to increase brand awareness in order to support the effectiveness of marketing strategies. Furthermore, the study highlights that consumers tend to make purchasing decisions based on the perceived value and credibility presented through digital platforms, making consistent online engagement crucial. Improving brand awareness may require more targeted promotional activities, interactive content, and customer involvement to build a stronger emotional connection with the brand. Overall, these results provide valuable insights for managers aiming to enhance competitiveness and customer loyalty in the digital marketplace.

This study aims to understand and explain in depth the role of teachers in the care of children aged 3–5 years at the Siti Hajar Kindergarten and its influence on child development. This study used a qualitative approach with the aim of obtaining a comprehensive picture of the interactions between teachers and children in daily care activities. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation that describe care practices in the TPA environment. The results show that teachers have a very important role, including as guides in learning activities, mediators in children's social and emotional development, motivators to foster interest in learning, role models of positive behavior, and communication bridges between children and parents. These roles contribute significantly to character formation, social skills development, increased learning motivation, and children's emotional well-being. Despite facing various obstacles, such as limited facilities and challenges in maintaining children's concentration, teachers continue to strive to provide optimal care through enjoyable learning strategies and active communication with parents. This study recommends increasing teacher capacity and strengthening collaboration between educational institutions and families to support the sustainable growth and development of early childhood.