Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik (UM Gresik) continues to expand its international engagement by delivering meaningful community-based initiatives through an International Seminar and Community Service Program at Lukmanulhakeem School, Yala, Thailand. Organized by the Nutrition Study Program, the initiative provided elementary school students with nutritional health screening alongside interactive education on healthy eating habits from an early age.
The program was carried out in collaboration with the Muhammadiyah Association of Thailand, the Barroh Sub-District Government, and Lukmanulhakeem School. This partnership reflects UM Gresik’s growing international network while demonstrating the University’s commitment to creating a positive impact in the fields of education and public health beyond national borders.
The activities were designed for fifth and sixth-grade students aged 10–12 years, combining preventive health services with nutrition education. Before attending the seminar, participants underwent nutritional status screening through anthropometric measurements, including body weight, height, and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC). The assessment results are expected to support the school in monitoring students’ growth and development while contributing to the early detection of nutritional issues.
Following the screening session, students participated in a seminar entitled “Balanced Nutrition for School-Age Children,” delivered by Amalia Rahma, S.Gz., M.Si., Head of the Nutrition Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik. During the session, students learned about the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, eating breakfast regularly, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, limiting foods high in sugar, salt, and fat, drinking sufficient water, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing good personal hygiene as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The seminar created an engaging learning environment, with students enthusiastically asking questions about their daily eating habits, healthy food choices, and practical ways to adopt healthier lifestyles both at home and at school. Their active participation reflected a growing awareness of the importance of proper nutrition during childhood.
The event was attended by the principal and teachers of Lukmanulhakeem School. UM Gresik students who are currently undertaking an international teaching internship at the school also played an active role in supporting the implementation of the program. Their involvement provided valuable opportunities to strengthen their competencies in health promotion, nutrition education, intercultural communication, and international community engagement.
More than a community outreach initiative, the program represents UM Gresik’s ongoing efforts to strengthen global partnerships that generate meaningful social impact. The collaboration among Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik, the Muhammadiyah Association of Thailand, the Barroh Sub-District Government, and Lukmanulhakeem School demonstrates how international cooperation can contribute to improving children’s health while fostering stronger educational and institutional ties between Indonesia and Thailand.
Through initiatives like this, UM Gresik continues to broaden its international presence by integrating education, community engagement, and global collaboration. The University hopes that similar programs will continue to expand, creating sustainable partnerships and delivering lasting benefits for communities while preparing globally competent students and professionals.