PBNU urges development of 'Child-Friendly Pesantren' model

The General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, has called on pesantren to develop a ‘Child-Friendly Pesantren’ model by reorganising the education system, curriculum, and care patterns to suit the needs of students. He stated that the concept is not about labelling some pesantren as friendly and others as not, but rather a broader responsibility. The implementation requires deep thought regarding the education system, teaching models, and curriculum that will support the lives of students during their education. He also noted that the physical layout and buildings of pesantren must be considered to ensure the environment supports a safe life that meets the students’ needs. Gus Yahya emphasised that developing a Child-Friendly Pesantren is a continuous task requiring the commitment of pesantren administrators to seriously consider every element related to the education and care of students. He requested that scholars, pesantren leaders, kiai, and academics assist pesantren in developing this concept so that it does not remain just an idea but is realised in pesantren life.