The Social Welfare Studies Program (IKS) at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University has once again underscored its commitment to equipping students with both a strong theoretical foundation and practical skills through a two-day training program, “Social Work Theory Orientation on Family and Community Practice.”

The initiative, held June 23–24, 2025, at JCH Café (Jogja Coding House) in Yogyakarta, was designed as part of the matriculation program for awardees of the 2024 Prestigious Santri Scholarship (PBSB).

Over the course of two days, students engaged with a lineup of practitioners and scholars in social work. Among the speakers were Endah Istikhomah, S.Sos., case manager at UPTD PPA Bantul; Dany Mustafa, S.Sos., MA, a community social worker and researcher; M. Rifaat A. Farid, S.Sos., MA, lecturer at IKS UMMAD Madiun; and Kisy Anif Ngestiti, S.Sos., a practicing social worker. Faculty members of IKS also joined the sessions, including Abidah Muflihati, M.Si., Nurul Fajriyah, MA, and Khotibul Umam, M.Si., who shared insights from their own teaching and field experience.

The program was not only intended to strengthen students’ grasp of theory but also to foster early networking and professional orientation within the field of social work. With its warm, interactive atmosphere and focus on real-world application, the forum offered participants an engaging and meaningful learning space.

For PBSB students, this orientation marked the first step in their academic journey at IKS—part of a broader effort to cultivate graduates who combine the character of santri with a deep sense of social commitment and readiness to serve their communities.