Bottom-Up Approaches to Rural Water Security: Evidence from a Community-Based WASH Project in Nigeria

Access to clean water remains a critical challenge in rural Nigeria, with over 60 million people lacking safe drinking water. This study examines a bottom-up, community-based WASH intervention implemented by the Rural Nurture Initiative in rural communities in southwestern Nigeria. Employing a qualitative single case study approach, the research used in-depth interviews with local leaders and focus group discussions with project beneficiaries. Results revealed that community participation in project design, implementation, and monitoring fostered a sense of ownership and contributed to project sustainability. Community preference for well water infrastructure over solar boreholes highlighted the importance of contextually appropriate technology selection. Additionally, WASH education components significantly improved hygiene practices among beneficiaries. The study concludes that participatory approaches to rural water provision are essential for sustainable community development and recommends that policies promoting community ownership and participatory water resource management be advanced to address water challenges in rural Nigeria

Determinants of Youth Disengagement from Agricultural Opportunities in Rural: Evidence from Mbinga and Nyasa Districts, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania

Youth disengagement from agriculture poses a critical challenge to rural development in Tanzania, limiting innovation, productivity, and the sector’s potential to support livelihoods. This study investigates the determinants of youth disengagement from agricultural opportunities in Mbinga and Nyasa Districts, Ruvuma Region, using a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through focus group discussions with 60 youth participants and 4 key informant interviews with four agricultural extension officers and community development officers. The study is anchored in the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to examine how individual attitudes, social norms, and structural factors influence youth decisions regarding agricultural engagement. Findings reveal that multiple intersecting factors shape youth disengagement. Agriculture is perceived as labor-intensive, low-reward, and socially unattractive, while economic constraints—such as limited access to capital and inputs and unstable markets—further reduce participation. The availability of alternative non-farming livelihoods, including bodaboda riding, petty trade, and casual labor, draws youth away from farming by offering immediate and reliable income. Institutional support, including loans, subsidies, and extension services, is underutilized due to information gaps and bureaucratic hurdles. The study concludes that addressing youth disengagement requires holistic interventions that improve economic incentives, enhance institutional support, and shift social perceptions of agriculture. Targeted policies and programs that integrate these dimensions can promote youth participation, strengthen rural livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development in rural Tanzania

Community Awareness of NPA-VAWC in Ending Violence Against Children

Violence against children remains a major global and national concern, undermining children’s safety, development, and well-being. In response, the Government of Tanzania implemented the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC) to strengthen prevention and response strategies. This study examined community awareness of violence against children and the level of awareness and participation in the implementation of the NPA-VAWC in Mbeya City Council. A mixed-method approach with a cross-sectional design was employed, involving 100 randomly selected community members and four key informants. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document review, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings revealed that while 96% of respondents were aware of violence against children, only 35% were aware of the NPA-VAWC. The overall awareness level was moderate, with 67% of respondents demonstrating medium awareness. The study concludes that limited awareness of national strategies constrains community participation and highlights the need for strengthened awareness campaigns and community-based education

Developing a Digital Tajwīd E-Booklet to Strengthen Qur’an Literacy for Prospective Couples in Alafan District, Aceh, Indonesia

This community service program was designed to address the low Qur’an literacy, particularly tajwīd proficiency, among prospective marriage couples (calon pengantin or catin) in Alafan District. Limited learning media, reliance on one-way lecture methods, and the absence of structured tajwīd guidance contributed to inadequate readiness for building an Islamic household. In response, the program developed a practical and accessible Tajwīd E-Booklet that contains essential tajwīd rules, short surahs, supplications, and audio supports. The initiative followed a collaborative and iterative approach involving Sub-District Office of Religious Affairs (Kantor Urusan Agama or KUA) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia officers, religious counselors, and the community. The E-Booklet was tested during premarital guidance and received positive feedback from users and facilitators. Results show increased engagement, better accessibility of learning materials, and improved preparation for Qur’an-based family life. This program demonstrates how simple digital innovations can enhance religious literacy, strengthen public services, and uphold the ASN BerAKHLAK values within grassroots community development initiatives

Effect of Transformational Leadership on Employee Performance: The Case of East Wallaga Zone Public Sectors

This study investigates the influence of transformational leadership on employee performance within public sector organizations in the East Wallaga Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Utilizing an explanatory and descriptive research design, the study employed a mixed-methods approach to collect data from a sample of 300 employees across various zonal sectors. Systematic sampling was used to ensure representativeness from a total population of 2,175. The data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics and inferential tools, including Pearson correlation and multiple regression. Findings reveal a significant positive correlation between transformational leadership dimensions and employee performance. Regression results indicated that leadership behaviors account for 83.7% of the variance in performance (R2=0.837). Notably, Contingent Reward (B=1.293) and Intellectual Stimulation (B=0.433) emerged as the most potent predictors. The study concludes that supervisors who employ idealized influence and inspirational motivation significantly enhance employee engagement. Recommendations include institutionalizing leadership development programs and refining merit-based recognition systems to sustain public sector efficiency

Structured Mentoring for Dissertation Proposal Development: A Community Service Model for Strengthening Research Capacity among Educators and Government Professionals

Research competence is a critical requirement for doctoral students and professionals pursuing advanced academic qualifications. However, many doctoral candidates from diverse professional backgrounds experience challenges in developing structured dissertation proposals due to limited research experience, methodological understanding, and academic writing skills. This community service program aimed to strengthen participants’ research capacity through a structured mentoring intervention conducted over two days on February 21–22, 2026. The participants included teachers, lecturers, and government professionals with diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The program utilized structured mentoring, guided practice, collaborative discussion, and iterative feedback. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach using observation, proposal document analysis, and participant reflections. The conceptual framework was based on adult learning theory, experiential learning, and research capacity development models. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in research problem formulation, conceptual framework development, proposal structure, and research confidence. Participant diversity was identified as both a challenge and an opportunity for collaborative learning. Structured mentoring proved effective in strengthening research competence across heterogeneous participant groups. This community service model provides a scalable and effective framework for research capacity development and can be implemented by higher education institutions to support doctoral students and professional researchers

Income from Public Work Programmes and Household Economic Stability: Evidence from Mpwapwa District, Tanzania

Public Work Programmes (PWPs) are widely recognized as important instruments for poverty reduction and social protection, particularly in developing countries. This study examined the contribution of income from PWPs to household economic stability in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania. The research adopted a descriptive design, using both primary and secondary data sources. A sample of 300 household heads was selected through simple random sampling, while structured questionnaires and document reviews were employed to collect data. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the relationship between PWP participation and household economic outcomes. Regression results showed a strong association between participation in PWPs and household economic stability, with income diversification, employment creation, and local market contributions emerging as key determinants. Despite these benefits, income adequacy remained relatively low, suggesting that programme earnings were insufficient to fully meet household needs. This highlights the limitations of PWPs in providing long-term security without complementary interventions. The findings provide empirical evidence to guide policymakers in refining PWPs to better support vulnerable households while contributing to Tanzania’s development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals

Empowering Middle School Students with First Aid Knowledge for Everyday Injuries: A Cross-Cultural Community Engagement Program in Krabi, Thailand

Children and adolescents aged 6 to 15 years are a vulnerable age group prone to injuries due to high curiosity and limited awareness or response to hazards. Data indicate that approximately 42.56% of middle school students experience injuries, ranging from minor to severe. The most common types of injuries include falls, sprains, puncture wounds, lacerations, fractures, bruises, foreign body intrusion, and traffic accidents. The most frequent injury sites are the lower limbs (67.9%), followed by the upper limbs (32.7%) and the head (11.9%). This community service program was designed to equip middle school students at Ekkapap International School, Krabi, Thailand, with essential first aid knowledge for everyday injuries. The theme was selected to provide basic health literacy through practical, interactive, and engaging approaches. The methods included wound illustration, hands-on activities such as wound cleaning, dressing with gauze, applying adhesive bandages, and simulation and role-play as first responders in emergencies. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the knowledge of 40 participating students. The average pre-test score was 61, which markedly increased to 93 in the post-test. Statistical analysis confirmed a highly significant difference between pre- and post-intervention scores. Visual and hands-on methods proved highly effective, even in a cross-cultural context, highlighting that empathy and the willingness to help are universal values

The Interconnection between Mathematics and Muhammadiyah Islamic Teachings

This article explores the intersection of mathematics and Islamic values, emphasizing their roles in education and cultural development. The primary goal is to elucidate how mathematics serves not only as a tool for intellectual development but also as a means to instill character and ethical values in learners. The study addresses the problem of integrating abstract mathematical concepts with moral teachings rooted in Islamic principles, aiming to enhance students' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills while fostering virtues like honesty and diligence. Methodologically, the article reviews literature on mathematical characteristics and their application in Islamic civilization, particularly in science and technology. It also examines Quranic perspectives on mathematics and the universe, highlighting how mathematical principles reflect the eternal attributes of Allah. The analysis draws on historical and theological insights to demonstrate how mathematics can inspire spiritual growth and appreciation for divine creation. Results indicate that mathematics, when integrated with Islamic teachings, promotes ethical behavior and enhances students' understanding of the universe's order and beauty. This study contributes to the broader discourse on educational strategies that integrate faith-based values with academic disciplines, promoting a balanced worldview and ethical consciousness among learners. In conclusion, the synthesis of mathematics and Islamic values offers a comprehensive framework for character development and intellectual growth, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in contemporary education

Waste Management Training through Composting: A Creative Solution for the Community of Sinduadi Village, Sleman

This activity aims to provide education on waste and its potential dangers, while also conducting training on how to process household organic waste into compost. The activity was held in Sendangadi Village, Mlati, with 40 participants. It was a workshop where a speaker delivered a specific topic, followed by a discussion based on the presentation. In this training, participants were asked to bring organic waste, such as leftover green vegetables and fruit scraps from their household kitchens, to be used as materials for composting. The activity emphasized the importance of active community involvement in waste management, community-based composting methods, and the economic potential of compost as an alternative business opportunity. As a result of the activity, the community gained valuable knowledge about waste management. Additionally, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive from both village officials and participating residents. The participants demonstrated high enthusiasm and interest in applying the knowledge gained, particularly in practicing composting at home using organic waste as raw material a practical solution to reduce waste in their environment