The Student Leadership Basic Training (LDKS) at Al Wafi Islamic Boarding School took place from September 18–20, 2023, at the school and in the scenic Gunung Pancar area in West Java. This program, aimed at cultivating leadership skills, was organized by the Al Wafi Student Organization (ALSO) under the theme, “Fostering Active, Creative, and Character-Building Leadership in Facing Global Competition in the 4.0 Era.”
“LDKS activities have developed students’ leadership spirit and sharpened their communication skills,” stated Ustadzah Fitri Febriani, S.Pd., the chair of the LDKS committee. The experience not only boosts students’ communication and confidence with their peers and teachers but also builds essential leadership abilities.
The program began with two days of pre-LDKS sessions: on Friday, September 15, with “Effective Communication” and on Saturday, September 16, with “Problem Solving & Critical Thinking.” These introductory sessions were designed to enhance students’ communication skills and their problem-solving abilities.
On Monday, September 18, students received further orientation, with training on Self-Awareness, Leadership, and the Principles of ALSO. They then headed to the outdoor camping grounds at Gunung Pancar in Sentul, Bogor, for a two-day outing (September 19–20). The outing included activities such as fun cooking, marching drills, Risk Management sessions, games, and group debates.
One unique exercise, a Treasure Hunt at a local market, challenged students to think critically and creatively as they searched for items like “a fruit with a heart” or “five shells containing zygotes.” The fun cooking activity prompted students to solve riddles and discover meanings behind each item, sparking curiosity and engagement.
Additionally, each student was given a raw egg to protect throughout the LDKS event, instilling a sense of responsibility and nurturing an appreciation for Allah’s gifts. This exercise encouraged a sense of gratitude, stewardship, and strengthened the resolve of these future leaders.
The LDKS concluded with a Debrief session, a reflective activity that helped students evaluate the experiences and lessons learned. This guided reflection aimed to instill commitment to their goals. Each challenge faced during the event built patience, teamwork, creativity, resilience, and responsibility.
Through LDKS, Al Wafi hopes to foster a golden generation of future leaders with noble character, ready to shape the nation. (Written by Fortin Sri Haryani)
