Alternative Education for Social Change: Curriculum Innovation in Sekolah Balita to Address Nutritional Issues in Kenjeran, Surabaya

Abstract

Child malnutrition, particularly stunting, remains a persistent public health problem in low-income urban areas such as Kenjeran, Surabaya. Conventional nutrition education programs that rely on one-way communication have proven ineffective in changing community behavior. This study aims to develop an alternative educational model through curriculum innovation in Sekolah Balita (Toddler School) as a form of community-based social transformation. The research employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, involving mothers of toddlers, health cadres, local health workers, and community leaders throughout the research cycle from problem mapping and curriculum design to collective reflection. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, social mapping, and focus group discussions (FGDs), and analyzed using Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña’s interactive qualitative model. The findings show that Sekolah Balita successfully created a transformative learning space for mothers to develop critical awareness regarding nutrition, parenting, and environmental health. The participatory curriculum developed consists of six main themes: understanding child nutrition, nurturing parenting, healthy and creative kitchen, clean and healthy environment, family economy, and community solidarity. Learning activities based on reflection and hands-on practice encouraged behavioral changes among mothers, including preparing nutritious meals, reducing instant food consumption, and maintaining household hygiene. Furthermore, Sekolah Balita emerged as a platform for women’s empowerment and sustainable community organizing. This study concludes that alternative education rooted in participation and critical consciousness can serve as an effective instrument for addressing child malnutrition while fostering social change in low-income urban communities.