Advances in Community Services Research

Ecotourism Management Training with Creative Economy Development for Communities in Ecotourism Areas

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: This research aims to increase the capacity of the Kapita Village community, Bangkala District, Jeneponto Regency, to manage ecotourism based on the creative economy. Through the Community Service (PkM) program, training was conducted on ecotourism and creative economic development, with active participation from the community and local village officials.

Research Design and Methodology: The methodology includes direct education through material presentations, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions. This activity was carried out on November 9, 2024, at the Kapita Village Office, with participants consisting of the community and village officials. Data was collected through participatory observation and in-depth interviews, then analyzed descriptively qualitatively to identify changes in participants' understanding and attitudes towards ecotourism management and creative economy.

Findings and Discussion: The results showed a significant increase in the community's understanding of ecotourism and creative economic concepts. There was an increased interest in starting small businesses supporting ecotourism, such as souvenir-making and tour guide services. However, inadequate infrastructure and environmental awareness still hinder effective ecotourism development.

Implications: The implications of these findings suggest the need for collaboration between government, communities, and other stakeholders to provide sustainable training programs and infrastructure investments. This is important to improve the accessibility and quality of ecotourism destinations and encourage active community participation in creative economic development. Future research is recommended to conduct long-term evaluations of the impact of training programs and explore strategies to diversify tourist attractions to increase resilience to climate change and tourism market dynamics.

Community Services and Their Role in Enhancing Urban Resilience

Khusnul Khotimah, Zakaria Zakaria, Yendra Yendra, Mursalim Tonggiroh — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: The research aims to comprehensively understand how community services—such as disaster preparedness programs, public health initiatives, and social support systems—fortify urban resilience by addressing diverse urban challenges.

Research Design and Methodology: Employing a qualitative research approach, this study conducts an extensive literature review to identify and analyze how community services contribute to urban resilience. The methodology involves thematic analysis and cross-case comparisons to synthesize findings from relevant literature.

Findings and Discussion: The findings highlight that community services are pivotal in fostering social cohesion, enabling collective action, and providing essential resources, enhancing communities' capacity to withstand and recover from crises. Disaster preparedness programs improve emergency response and recovery times, while public health initiatives address health-related vulnerabilities and support overall well-being. Social support systems, including welfare programs and housing assistance, mitigate economic hardships and promote social inclusion.

Implications: Implications of this study suggest that policymakers and practitioners should focus on enhancing community engagement, investing in community services, and developing innovative models for their integration and sustainability. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of community services on resilience and identify best practices for their implementation across diverse urban contexts.

Review of Epilepsy Perceptions and Attitudes Across African Countries

Michael Willie — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: This review synthesizes research on perceptions and misconceptions about epilepsy across various countries, exploring beliefs that attribute epilepsy to supernatural causes, contagion, or mental retardation. It hypothesizes that these misconceptions contribute to the stigmatization and social exclusion of individuals with epilepsy (PwE).

Research Design and Methodology: The review compiles findings from studies conducted in Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. These studies focus on teachers, parents, and community members and employ qualitative methods such as surveys and interviews. Sampling methodologies vary but include educational and community-based settings.

Findings and Discussion: The findings indicate that epilepsy-related misconceptions are widespread, leading to stigma and exclusion from education, employment, and social interactions. Many communities view epilepsy as contagious or caused by supernatural forces, reinforcing discrimination. Teachers and parents play a role in perpetuating these beliefs, further marginalizing PwE.

Implications: Addressing epilepsy-related stigma requires targeted education and awareness programs. Healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders must challenge misconceptions and promote inclusive environments. The review highlights the need for culturally sensitive interventions and further research on effective stigma-reduction strategies.

Dimensions of Constitutional Rights in Enhancing Village Apparatus Awareness

Moch Andry Wikra Wardhana Mamonto, Rizki Ramadan, Andika Prawira Buana — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: This study aims to enhance constitutional awareness among the community of Kapita Village, Jeneponto Regency, by strengthening their understanding of constitutional rights as outlined in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. Citizens' low awareness of their rights and role in overseeing government actions necessitates structured legal counseling. The objective is to provide citizens with fundamental knowledge of the constitution and foster a sense of legal awareness to ensure active participation in governance.

Research Design and Methodology: This study employs a qualitative approach through direct legal counseling sessions. The counseling is delivered using an oral presentation method, incorporating simple and accessible language. A question-and-answer format is used to engage participants and encourage active discussion. Additionally, visual materials such as posters featuring statements from prominent figures about the Constitution, accompanied by illustrative images, are utilized to capture public attention and reinforce key messages.

Findings and Discussion: Implementing this program resulted in an increased general understanding among participants regarding the function of the constitution and its role in governance. Citizens recognized the constitution as the supreme law of the land and an agreement between the state and its citizens. Moreover, they gained insight into their constitutional rights, particularly those directly impacting their daily lives, such as education, healthcare, and civic participation.

Implications: The findings suggest that structured constitutional counseling can effectively promote legal awareness at the village level. Improved constitutional understanding can lead to more informed and active citizens participating in governance and advocating for their rights. The study highlights the importance of continuous legal education and engaging educational media to foster constitutional awareness in rural communities.

Legal Counseling on Radicalism

Muhammad Rinaldy Bima, Aan Aswari — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: This study aims to explore the increasing vulnerability of young individuals to radicalization and terrorist recruitment, mainly through social media. The study focuses on the lack of awareness among local communities and village officials regarding radicalism and examines preventive measures through legal counseling and digital literacy programs. The research was conducted in Pucak Village, Tompobulu District, and Maros Regency, where concerns about radical influences remain significant.

Research Design and Methodology: A qualitative descriptive approach is employed to analyze the patterns of radical recruitment, the role of terrorist networks, and the effectiveness of government surveillance and legal intervention. Data collection includes direct observations, interviews with community members and officials, and documentation of legal awareness initiatives. The study also evaluates digital education strategies aimed at preventing online radicalization.

Findings and Discussion: The findings indicate that village officials and the local community have limited knowledge of radicalism, making them vulnerable to indirect involvement in radical activities. Additionally, inadequate digital literacy and ineffective government oversight contribute to the spread of radical ideologies. Collaborative strategies involving law enforcement, cybersecurity agencies, and community engagement are necessary for preventing radical influence.

Implications: The study suggests that preemptive and preventive legal counseling combined with enhanced digital literacy can significantly reduce radical influence. Strengthening community awareness programs and law enforcement coordination is crucial in mitigating radicalism in local villages.