The ability to listen, share accurate information, and build open communication is an important asset for students who want to support their peers. These skills are increasingly needed when young people's problems intersect with drug abuse, sexual violence, and mental health.

This need was the focus of the Student Information and Counseling Center (PIK-M) student activity unit (UKM) Lingkar Seroja at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta in its 2026 Peer Educator Training. Held at the BKKBN DIY Representative Office (the Yogyakarta office of the National Population and Family Planning Board) on Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, 2026, the training involved 70 members, known as the punggawa (core members) of Lingkar Seroja.

Under the theme "Empower Peers, Inspire Change: Building Safe Spaces and Resilience for Youth," the training was aimed at strengthening students' ability to carry out peer education while fostering a social environment that is safe and mutually supportive.

Rohina, M.Si., Head of the BKKBN DIY Representative Office, who attended the opening together with the Family Planning Field Officer (PLKB) of Depok, stressed the importance of young people's involvement in family development. In her view, strengthening peer educators can help adolescents understand the problems they face while increasing their concern for others.

"The role of young people is very important in determining the success of family development," Rohina said.

Over two days, participants joined sessions that combined presentations, Q&A, focus group discussions, and presentations of their own. A pre-test and a post-test were also used to evaluate participants' understanding.

The sessions then moved on to an introduction to the types of Narcotics, Psychotropics, and Other Addictive Substances (NAPZA) and strategies for preventing their abuse, led by Hindun Kurnia Novianti, S.K.M., M.P.H., of the DIY Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP DIY). This deepened participants' understanding of the risks of NAPZA abuse and prevention efforts among young people.

On the second day, Khoirryyatun Nisa, S.Psi., of the DIY Office for Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control (DP3AP2 DIY), guided participants in understanding the prevention of sexual violence. The session positioned shared care and awareness as an important part of building a safe environment for adolescents and students.

Meanwhile, psychologist Adhe Vrilia M. of the Metamorfosa Psychology Bureau delivered material on mental health. Participants were equipped to understand the importance of mental health in coping with life's pressures and building personal resilience.

For UKM PIK-M Lingkar Seroja UIN Sunan Kalijaga, the training is a step toward preparing members to carry out their educational role better. Knowledge about youth issues needs to be matched by communication skills, sensitivity to peers' conditions, and responsibility in sharing information.

Through stronger peer educators, UIN Sunan Kalijaga students are encouraged to take a role in caring for the campus environment. That role begins in daily life: starting conversations, listening with care, and helping friends get accurate information. From such interactions, safe spaces and a culture of mutual support can grow among students. (humassk)