Education and Capacity Building for Adolescents and Their Social Environment in Early Childhood Marriage Prevention Efforts in Ranokomea Village, Poleang Barat District, Bombana Regency

Abstract

Early marriage is a social issue that can affect the continuity of education, psychological readiness, reproductive health, and the family's ability to carry out parenting functions. Therefore, educational efforts that involve teenagers and the social environment comprehensively are needed. This community service activity aims to increase the knowledge, understanding, and awareness of teenagers and the social environment about preventing early marriage in Ranokomea Village, West Poleang District, Bombana Regency. The activity implementation methods include observation and coordination with the village government, delivering material by two resource persons, interactive discussions, and evaluation through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The first resource person from the Poleang Barat District Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) provided education on laws, age limits, and marriage purposes based on regulations. The second speaker, an officer from the Poleang Barat District Family Planning (KB) office, gave a talk about couple’s mental readiness, women’s reproductive health, preparedness for parenthood, parenting, and preventing stunting in toddlers. The activity results showed that participants had a better understanding of the consequences of early marriage and the importance of being ready before starting a family. Participants also showed enthusiasm by actively joining in discussions and focus group discussions (FGDs), especially on topics like marriage laws, reproductive health, mental readiness, and child-rearing. This activity shows that preventing early marriage requires a multidimensional and collaborative approach that integrates legal, psychological, reproductive health, parenting, and social support aspects. Ongoing education and guidance are needed so that increased knowledge can turn into changes in people's attitudes and behavior when it comes to preventing early marriage.