Community-Based Clean Living and Sanitation Awareness at Ummi Rahmah Islamic Learning Center, Aceh Besar District: Efforts to Enhance Awareness and Healthy Living Behavior

Abstract

Clean living and sanitation are critical determinants of public health, particularly in communities with limited access to proper hygiene facilities. Previous studies have shown that health education and awareness campaigns reduce risks of communicable diseases, yet many interventions focus either on theoretical instruction or isolated clean-up efforts. This study aimed to enhance awareness and healthy living behavior through a community-based program at the Ummi Rahmah Islamic Learning Center, Aceh Besar District. The program integrated classroom education, awareness campaigns, interactive learning, and direct environmental service activities in a faith-based educational setting. A qualitative case study approach was employed, drawing on field observations, interviews with teachers and students, and documentation of program activities. The intervention included classroom socialization, awareness talks, and hands-on sanitation practices supported by visual learning materials. Multi-stakeholder participation involving facilitators, teachers, students, and community members was emphasized to ensure sustainability. The results indicate that the program improved knowledge retention, strengthened motivation, and encouraged active student engagement in promoting clean living practices. Teachers played a crucial role in reinforcing health messages, while students acted as agents of change by sharing practices within their families. The faith-based context of the Islamic Learning Center provided cultural and spiritual reinforcement, enhancing acceptance and long-term relevance. The novelty of this research lies in its holistic integration of educational and practical activities, its application in a religious learning environment, and its participatory teaching model. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that community-based, faith-integrated, and interactive approaches effectively promote sustainable clean living and sanitation awareness.