VOKASI NEWS – Many people often associate learning about the digestive system with textbooks and classroom lectures. However, four Diploma III Nursing students from Airlangga University challenged this perception by organizing an engaging health education program titled “Play, Learn, and Grow with Digestive Health.” They held the activity at a tutoring center in Padeg Village, Cerme, Gresik, and combined English-based learning, visual media, and educational games to introduce digestive health to sixth-grade elementary school and seventh-grade junior high school students.
Making Health Education More Engaging
The program was initiated by four Diploma III Nursing Airlangga University: Aisyah, Syarifah, Salwatul, and Bellinda, as part of their community nursing practice. Through this activity, the students demonstrated that they can deliver health education in a creative, interactive, and enjoyable way while encouraging children to develop healthy habits from an early age.
Rather than relying solely on lectures, the facilitators used illustrated posters, animated videos, and two-way discussions to help participants understand how the digestive system works. This approach encouraged students to ask questions, share their daily eating habits, and actively participate throughout the session.
Learning Digestive Health Through English
One of the unique aspect of the program was the use of English as teh primary language for delivering much of the material. Participants learned the names and function of digestive organs, from the mouth to the anus, while expanding their English vocabulary related to the human body.
The ensure the concepts remained easy to understand, the presenters combined English explanation with simple Indonesian translation whenever necessary. This bilingual approach enabled participants to improve both their health literacy and language skills simultaneously.
Learning Through Games and Technology
The excitement continued during the evaluation session, where conventional paper-based test were replaced with an interactive quiz using the Kahoot application. Participants enthusiastically competed to answer questions accurately and quickly, turning the review session into an enjoyable learning experience.
The lively atmosphere demonstrated that educational technology can significantly increase children’s motivation and participation. By integrating games into the learning process, participants reviewed the material naturally while strengthening their understanding of digestive health.
“I really enjoyed participating in the activity. Learning English became much easier because we practiced while playing Kahoot, so it never felt boring,” said one of the participants.
Building Health Habits from Childhood
Beyond introducing the digestive organs and their functions, the students also emphasized the importance of maintaining digestive health through simple daily habits. Participants were encouraged to consume balanced meals, eat fruits and vegetables, drink enough water, maintain hand hygiene before meals, and avoid excessive consumption of unhealthy snacks.
By connecting scientific concepts with children’s daily routines, the facilitators hoped the participants would be more likely to apply what they had learned in their everyday lives.
Community Service Beyond the Classroom
The activity reflects Airlangga University commitments to the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in community service. For the D-III Nursing students, the program provided valuable experience in communicating health information, designing engaging educational activities, and interacting directly with the community.
Through “Play, Learn, and Grow with Digestive Health,” the students demonstrated that health education does not have to be formal or intimidating. By combining visual learning, English, interactive discussions, and educational games, they created a memorable learning experience that inspired children to understand and care for their digestive health from an early age.
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Authors: Aisyah Nur Rohmah, Salwatul Aisyi, Syarifah Fauziah, Bellinda Margaretha
Editor: Aghnia Faiza (Tim Brandig Vokasi)
