SEAMEO RECFON, in collaboration with Universitas Ibn Khaldun (UIKA) Bogor, conducted the Adolescent Nutrition Peer-Counsellor Training at Pondok Pesantren Darul Fallah, Ciampea, Bogor Regency, on 24 February 2025. This training is one of the activities conducted as part of the development model for the NGTS Program within the Islamic boarding school (pesantren) setting.

This training was attended by 32 participants, consisting of students from Madrasah Aliyah (MA) Darul Fallah, pesantren representatives, as well as instructors and facilitators from SEAMEO RECFON and UIKA Bogor. The training aimed to improve students’ knowledge on adolescent nutrition and health, while equipping them with the skills to perform nutrition education as an agent of change in promoting awareness and adopting balanced nutrition practices in the pesantren environment.

In his opening remarks, Ismail Saleh, M.Pd, the Principal of MA Darul Fallah, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with UIKA and SEAMEO RECFON through the NGTS Program, particularly regarding waste management, which aligns with the school’s vision as an Agricultural Pesantren. Additionally, he mentioned that Darul Fallah Pesantren is also involved in the pilot program of Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis), a national program initiative by the Indonesian government.

This one-day training covered a wide range of topics, including “The role of peer counsellors in promoting a healthy lifestyle”, was delivered by Retty Putri Utami Dwipa, M.Sc. (SEAMEO RECFON); “Adolescent Nutrition and Health” and “Balanced Nutrition Guidelines” were presented by Humaira Anggie Nauli, MKM (UIKA Bogor); and“Mobilising the School Community and Effective Communication” as well as “Utilising School Media for Nutrition Education” were delivered by Cahya Ayu Agustin, M.Gizi (SEAMEO RECFON).

To enhance participants’ understanding, the training also included practical sessions, such as measuring body weight and body height to determine nutritional status based on Body Mass Index (BMI) for Age using WHO Growth Chart, as well as planning the balance nutritious menu for adolescent based on the “Isi Piringku” concept. At the end of the training, participants were guided in developing a Nutrition Education Activity Plan as an Action Plan. Dr. Luh Ade Ari Wiradnyani shared tips and tricks for developing a best Action Plan for Nutrition Education Activities.

Through group discussions, participants successfully proposed several nutrition education activities to be implemented in the pesantren environment, one of which is conducting Regular Physical Exercise Together to improve body fitness. After this training, the Adolescent Nutrition Peer-Counsellors are expected to implement the Action Plan that has been developed.