As an effort to improve entrepreneurial skills based on biological potential, a community service activity titled “Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus sp.) Cultivation Training as a Student Empowerment Program at the Darul Izzah Islamic Boarding School in Jember” was held in 2021 at the Darul Izzah Islamic Boarding School in Ambulu, Jember Regency.
This activity aimed to provide students with insight, skills, and practical experience in oyster mushroom cultivation, from the cultivation process to product packaging, to develop an independent entrepreneurial spirit.
The program began with a survey and coordination with the Islamic boarding school supervisor and students to discuss needs and implementation. Next, training tools and materials were procured, including nursery bottles, husks, bran, F0 and F2 mushroom seeds.
The workshop took place on October 18, 2021, involving male and female students and the boarding school supervisor. The material covered entrepreneurship, oyster mushroom cultivation techniques, product processing, and marketing strategies.
The activity not only included material delivery, but also included hands-on oyster mushroom cultivation practice and intensive mentoring from the implementation team. The mentoring process was conducted through face-to-face communication and online channels like WhatsApp and phone calls to help students overcome various technical challenges during the cultivation process.
Activity Documentation Video
One of the challenges encountered during the program was the failure of some growing media (baglogs) due to contamination. The mentoring team then provided solutions by emphasizing the importance of conducting the inoculation process in a sterile room or using a special inoculation box to prevent mushroom spawn from being contaminated by other microorganisms.
Interestingly, the students showed great enthusiasm throughout the activity. They not only learned cultivation techniques, but also gained an understanding that oyster mushrooms have significant economic potential and can be developed into independent business opportunities within the boarding school environment.
This activity serves as an example of how community empowerment through practical education can create new opportunities for younger generations while encouraging the development of knowledge- and skill-based economic independence.