Ecoprint Training Enhances Children's Creativity in Tapak Gedung Village

A Community Service Team from the Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bengkulu University, led by Dr. Evi Maryanti, S.Si., M.Si., organized a Community Service Program with the theme “Ecoprint Training on Children’s Lunch Bag Media.” The program was conducted in Tapak Gedung Village, Tebat Karai District, Kepahiang Regency, from July 4 to 5, 2024.

This activity aimed to enhance children’s creativity through eco-print training, a natural motif printing technique using leaves and flowers. In addition to developing artistic skills, the training also sought to instill environmental awareness in children from an early age. The program attracted high enthusiasm from the community, involving 48 participants, including 25 children aged 5–15 years.

The training began with an introduction to eco-print materials and processes, followed by a hands-on session where children learned eco-print techniques, from selecting natural materials and arranging patterns to printing motifs onto fabric. Each child successfully created a unique lunch bag made of linen, using the pounding technique, which involves hammering leaves and flowers to transfer their natural pigments onto the fabric.

Every participant produced a distinctive lunch bag featuring a blend of natural patterns and colors from leaves and flowers. This activity not only improved children’s artistic and fine motor skills but also positively impacted their self-confidence. Additionally, the children were taught to appreciate and protect the environment by utilizing natural materials sustainably.

“This activity is very exciting! The children can play while learning and create beautiful works of art,” said one of the participants’ parents.

The team leader, Dr. Evi Maryanti, S.Si., M.Si., expressed her gratitude for the participants’ enthusiasm and the parents’ support. “We are thrilled to see the children so excited about this activity. Their creations demonstrate that with proper guidance, children’s creativity can flourish. We hope this eco-print technique becomes more than just a one-time experience and can be continued by the community as an educational and economical activity,” she said.

The training opened opportunities for community-based creative economies, where eco-print products can be developed into various high-value items such as clothing, scarves, or tablecloths. With its abundant natural resources, Tapak Gedung Village holds great potential to make ecoprint a local signature product.

The activity was supported by the community service team members, including lecturers Prof. Dr. Irfan Gustian, S.Si., M.Si., Dr. Charles Banon, S.Pd., M.Si., Dr. Marissadona Asteria, M.Biomed., and Yoravika Dwiwibangga, S.Si., M.Si., as well as students Mutiara Wulandareka Joliet Putri, Aswinda Cahayani, and Setyo Eko Nugroho. This collaboration reflects the spirit of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education in serving the community.

With its rich natural resources, Tapak Gedung Village has the potential to develop ecoprint as a local hallmark. In the long term, this training is expected to foster a younger generation that is more creative, confident, and environmentally conscious. [Vicka Andini/Evi Maryanti]