Preparing Santri Husada Cadres through Academic Stress Education and Peer Educator Training: A Community Engagement Program
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Abstract
Background: Students in Islamic boarding schools face academic, religious, and social demands that may contribute to academic stress. Peer support can provide an accessible source of support within the pesantren environment. Objective: This community engagement program aimed to prepare Santri Husada cadres through academic stress education and peer educator training at Pondok Pesantren Burhanul Hidayah, Sidoarjo. Methods: The program involved 20 Santri Husada cadres in two one-day activities held on 20 August and 3 October 2026. The activities covered academic stress, communication, active listening, sharing, and peer educator practice. The program was delivered by lecturers and students through presentations, discussions, and practical simulations. Knowledge was evaluated during the second activity using pretest and posttest questions developed based on the educational materials. Results: The mean knowledge score increased from 51 before the second activity to 59 afterward, representing an 8-point descriptive increase. Peer educator practice reached the training and simulation stage. No assessment of students’ academic stress or implementation of routine peer counseling was conducted. Conclusion: Academic stress education and peer educator training provided an initial preparation for Santri Husada cadres to offer peer support. Further activities are needed before routine peer counseling can be implemented.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Maki Zamzam Zamzam, Novera Herdiani, Muhammad Afwan Romdloni, Nabilah Azzahra, Nazwa Zuhairah Puteri M. Amiruddin, Putri Rifa'atul Fitri Zanubah

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Novera Herdiani