Building the Economy from the Grassroots: Non-Formal Education as Social Infrastructure
Keywords:
Non-formal education, social infrastructure, grassroots economy, local wisdom, community empowermentAbstract
Non-formal education has an important role in fostering community-based economic development, especially in areas with limited access to formal education. As a social infrastructure, non-formal education not only equips individuals with technical and entrepreneurial skills, but also builds social networks that strengthen the social capital and collective capacity of society. This research aims to explain the role of non-formal education as a social infrastructure in driving grassroots economies. Using a mixed methods research design, data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), participatory observations, surveys, and documentation of non-formal education programs in several local communities. Thematic analysis was carried out on qualitative data, while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially. The results of the study show that non-formal education contributes significantly to improving job skills, entrepreneurial abilities, and strengthening horizontal and vertical social networks. This impact has implications for increasing income, sustainability of micro-enterprises, and social cohesion at the community level. Theoretically, these findings expand the concept of social infrastructure in community development, while practically providing the basis for the formulation of more inclusive local education and development policies. Non-formal education has proven to be the driving force of a sustainable grassroots economy based on the collective power of society.
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