Balikpapan - Amid the rapid development of technology, not all children have the same opportunity to engage with the digital world in a safe and productive way. Driven by this concern, students of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) carried out a Social Innovation program entitled “Strengthening Life Skills and Basic Digital Literacy for Children at Sahabat Yatim dan Dhuafa Dormitory, Indrakila, North Balikpapan.”

The program was initiated by Ifa Faramitra Asqia, a 2023 cohort ITK student, together with an ITK student team under the supervision of Khairunnisa Rahmah, S.E., M.M. The activity targeted elementary to junior high school-aged children at Sahabat Yatim dan Dhuafa Dormitory as an effort to provide more inclusive, enjoyable, and relevant access to digital learning.

More than simply introducing children to the use of digital devices, the activity was designed to build their confidence in learning, asking questions, collaborating, and expressing ideas. Through educational games, simulations, and hands-on practice, participants were encouraged to understand how technology can support school activities, from completing assignments and preparing simple presentations to learning the basics of creative content creation.

Ifa explained that digital literacy has become an essential skill for children from an early age. According to her, technology should not only be used for entertainment, but also as a medium for learning, creating, and building a better future.

“We want the children not only to become familiar with technology, but also to use it wisely, safely, and productively. We hope this program can help them become more confident in facing the demands of the digital era,” said Ifa.

The activity took place in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere. The children did not merely listen to the material but were actively involved in every session. They directly tried various simple digital activities, discussed with mentors, and learned to express their ideas creatively. Through this process, communication skills, critical thinking, and teamwork developed naturally.

The program also served as a two-way learning space. For the students, Social Innovation was not only about delivering materials, but also about understanding social realities in the community. The limited access to digital guidance experienced by some children became a reminder that students can create real impact through knowledge, time, and care.

Through this activity, the ITK Social Innovation team hopes that the children of Sahabat Yatim dan Dhuafa Indrakila Dormitory will be better prepared to face the changing times. The digital literacy and life skills provided are expected to become an early foundation for them to grow more confident, independent, and courageous in pursuing bigger dreams.

More than just a community service program, this activity reflects the spirit of ITK Berdampak: bringing higher education beyond the classroom and directly into the community. From a modest dormitory space, ITK students sparked new hope so that every child has the opportunity to understand technology, develop their potential, and step more confidently into the future.