Upaya Penyuluhan Pendidikan untuk Mencegah Pernikahan Dini pada Remaja di Desa Lenek

Abstract

Early marriage remains a critical issue in various rural areas, including Lenek Village in East Lombok Regency. One of the primary contributing factors is the low level of awareness among adolescents and parents regarding the importance of education as a foundation for the future. This community engagement program aims to raise educational awareness and promote the prevention of early marriage through dialogic counseling activities. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and observations as data collection techniques. The participants consisted of adolescents and parents residing in Lenek Village. The results indicate a significant shift in mindset, both among adolescents, who began to rekindle their aspirations toward education, and among parents, who started to reconsider the practice of early marriage. The counseling sessions served as a safe space for exchanging ideas and fostering shared understanding, demonstrating that social change can begin with simple yet meaningful dialogue. This program recommends the continuation of similar initiatives to ensure that more families gain access to educational resources and are empowered to make life choices that better support the future of their youth.