Optimizing the Potential of Islamic Boarding School Agroindustry through the Production of Solid Soap Based on Natural Ingredients

Abstract

Community service program was conducted to address partner issues at Darussalam Gontor Islamic Boarding School for Girls Campus 3, including the lack of knowledge and skills in natural soap production and the suboptimal marketing strategies for pesantren-based products. The program aimed to enhance students’ practical skills in producing natural soap and to strengthen their independence and entrepreneurial mindset. The training involved 13 final-year students. The implementation methods consisted of socialization, pre-test, material presentation, hands-on soap-making using a learning by doing approach, marketing and packaging design training, followed by post-test and observation for evaluation. The activity was carried out in three stages: preparation, implementation, and evaluation. The results showed an improvement in students’ knowledge and skills with an N-gain score of 0.50 (moderate category), as well as increased motivation to develop a pesantren-based soap business unit. The program successfully achieved its objectives; however, continuous assistance is recommended to support production, marketing, and business sustainability.