Students from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) participating in the Off-Campus Learning Program (PLK) carried out a community empowerment project at Al Lathiif Orphanage by introducing catfish farming using recycled water gallons and launching a “Clean Orphanage” campaign. The initiative aimed to foster independence, creativity, and environmental awareness among the children living at the orphanage. <>/p> The program was led by Zahwa Rahmadanni as the team leader, together with team members Dimas Bagus Panuntun, Siti Faltipah Hayani, Ziqri Azizulzakhbar, Isni Azizah Utami, Mila Amelia, Faikul Askal, Naufal Vergiandhika, Alya Putri Medilasari, and Zakki Muyassar.

As part of the project, the students repurposed used water gallons into simple catfish tanks. This low-cost and space-efficient innovation was selected because it is easy to replicate and requires minimal resources. The orphanage children actively participated in every stage of the process, from constructing the tanks and stocking fish fry to caring for the catfish throughout the cultivation period.

According to team leader Zahwa Rahmadanni, the project was designed not only to provide the children with a new learning experience but also to equip them with practical life skills.

“Through this gallon catfish farming program, we want to show that discarded materials can be transformed into something valuable. At the same time, the children learn responsibility and gain hands-on experience with a simple yet productive cultivation process,” she explained.

In addition to the aquaculture program, the PLK team donated several waste bins to support a cleaner and healthier living environment within the orphanage. The bins were strategically placed around the facility to encourage proper waste disposal and promote good hygiene habits. This effort formed part of the “Clean Orphanage” campaign, which emphasized the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness as an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

The activities received enthusiastic participation from both the orphanage management and the children. Participants actively engaged in every session, from assembling the catfish tanks to organizing and cleaning the orphanage environment.

The PLK team hopes the program will provide long-term benefits for Al Lathiif Orphanage. The gallon catfish farming initiative is expected to continue as both an educational activity and a practical skill that can contribute to food security and self-reliance, while the “Clean Orphanage” movement is intended to cultivate lasting environmental responsibility among the residents.

Through this initiative, UNY students demonstrated that simple innovations can generate meaningful social impact. The combination of sustainable aquaculture and environmental stewardship reflects the university’s commitment to community empowerment, character development, and environmental sustainability.