Improving Ecoprint Skills Using Pounding Technique at Setiabudi Middle School, Malaysia

Abstract

This community service was motivated by the need to improve the practical skills and creativity of students and teachers at Setiabudi Middle School, Malaysia, in the field of environmentally friendly textile arts through ecoprint techniques, especially pounding techniques. The purpose of this activity was to empower participants to master ecoprint techniques as an alternative skill that has economic and aesthetic value, while supporting environmental conservation. The implementation method included a series of stages, namely preparation, socialization and theory sessions on ecoprint and pounding techniques, direct practice workshops on pounding ecoprint using local natural materials, and evaluation of results through discussions and questionnaires.This activity involved 35 participants, consisting of 30 students and 5 supervising teachers as implementing partners at the school. The evaluation of benefits was carried out using a questionnaire that measured the improvement in skills and interest in developing ecoprint products. The results of the community service showed that 95% of participants experienced a significant increase in practical skills, with 90% expressing interest in developing ecoprint products as a sustainable creative business opportunity. The ecoprint products produced also had high economic and aesthetic value, opening up the potential for developing entrepreneurship among students.Thus, this activity not only succeeded in improving the participants' hard skills, but also raised awareness of the importance of environmentally friendly innovation in vocational education. Furthermore, the use of natural materials and eco-friendly methods in the ecoprint technique directly aligned with SDG 13: Climate Action, as it encouraged participants to reduce the environmental impact of traditional textile production. By learning and implementing sustainable practices, the participants contributed to combating climate change by supporting more responsible consumption and production patterns, in line with the global efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.