Promoting Green Economy Literacy in Thailand’s Islamic Schools

The Accounting Education Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), successfully conducted a community service program focused on financial literacy assistance based on the green economy at Lukmanul Hakeem Islamic School, located in Yala Province, Southern Thailand. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Muhammadiyah Association in Thailand.

The program, which was attended by 32 participants, aimed to enhance understanding of the importance of a green economy within the framework of Muhammadiyah’s da’wah (Islamic outreach) efforts in both school and home environments. This initiative aligns with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The speakers highlighted how implementing a green economy can support environmental sustainability, both at the household level and within educational institutions.

In practice, teachers and students were introduced to real-life applications of the green economy, such as reusing organic and inorganic waste, energy efficiency in homes and schools, and adopting a frugal and sustainable lifestyle.

“Students were taught to understand financial management concepts based on environmental awareness, such as saving for green investments and reducing consumption of non-eco-friendly products,” explained the program’s head, Dr. Suranto, S.Pd., M.Pd., during an interview on Tuesday (4/3/2025).

The community service activity included a data collection simulation involving cash flow measurement (for students and teachers), debt installment assessment (for teachers), and savings evaluation (for students and teachers). The simulation revealed several challenges, such as participants struggling to read Latin script.

To address this issue, participants were introduced to Google Lens, which helped translate Latin script into Thai, a language that uses its own unique alphabet. They also took pre-tests and post-tests to assess their understanding of financial literacy and the application of a green economy based on the Pedoman Hidup Islami Warga Muhammadiyah (PHIWM) (Islamic Life Guidelines for Muhammadiyah Members).

“The participants were highly enthusiastic about learning and actively used technology, such as Google Lens, to complete the pre-tests and post-tests,” explained Suranto.

Suranto added that the collaboration between UMS and the Muhammadiyah Association in Thailand is expected to continue and have a broader impact, particularly for the local Muslim community.

Umar, the administrator of Lukmanul Hakeem Islamic School, expressed his appreciation for the program. He was grateful and felt that the initiative provided significant benefits, particularly in helping them prioritize financial literacy and green economy principles in their daily lives.

“We believe that applying these concepts will have a positive impact on the green environment around our homes and schools,” said Umar.

Held on February 24-25, 2025, this community service program is a tangible contribution from UMS in promoting financial literacy and environmental awareness at the international level. Through initiatives like this, awareness of the importance of a green economy-based financial literacy is expected to grow across various communities.

Writer: Yusuf

Translator: Rizal

Editor: Genis