Tasikmalaya Students Energized to Promote Balanced Nutrition through “Nutrition Goes to Pesantren” (NGENTRIK)

A total of 55 junior and senior high school students from Amanah Islamic Boarding School in Tasikmalaya enthusiastically participated in the “Nutrition Goes to Pesantren Tasikmalaya” (NGENTRIK) event on 13 September 2025. This activity concluded a three-day series of partnership-strengthening and monitoring activities for the Nutrition Goes to School (NGTS) Follow-Up Action Plan at Amanah Islamic Boarding School, organized by SEAMEO RECFON in collaboration with the Health Polytechnic of Tasikmalaya in Tasikmalaya City.

The event opened with remarks from Anang Rifqy, Principal of Amanah Junior High School; Evi Ermayani, M.Gz., representing SEAMEO RECFON; Sumarto, M.P., Head of the Nutrition Department at the Health Polytechnic of Tasikmalaya; and a representative from the Tasikmalaya City Education Office. All speakers emphasized the critical role of nutrition education for adolescents as a foundation for healthy, productive, and empowered lives.

       

Participants took part in a series of informative and interactive sessions, including “The Importance of Balanced Nutrition for Adolescents” by Dina Setiawati, M.Gz. (Health Polytechnic of Tasikmalaya); a “My Plate” simulation by Rizqiyah, M.Sc. (SEAMEO RECFON); and “Smart Choices for Healthy Snacks” by Anis Rosidah, SKM (Tasikmalaya City Health Office). These sessions enabled students to gain a clear understanding of balanced eating habits and healthy snacking practices.

   

The program also featured a lively cooking demonstration by Chef Hasan from Aston Inn, highlighting creative and nutritious menu ideas. Students further showcased their talents and creativity in a balanced nutrition and adolescent health poster contest, a healthy food product innovation proposal competition, and a cooking class contest. To reinforce sustainable nutrition education, SEAMEO RECFON presented printed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to representatives of Amanah Islamic Boarding School.

As a mark of recognition, several students were awarded the title of Amanah Junior Nutritionist, symbolizing their role as youth ambassadors in promoting balanced nutrition within their school and wider community.

   

Through this event, SEAMEO RECFON, the Health Polytechnic of Tasikmalaya, and the Tasikmalaya City Government aim to strengthen nutrition awareness among adolescents, fostering a generation that is healthier, more knowledgeable, and better equipped to compete in the future.