NERS NEWS — Surabaya, May 19, 2026 — Group 2 of Class A4 Batch 2024 of the Undergraduate Nursing Study Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga carried out a Project Based Learning (PJBL) activity entitled BESTIE (Be Smart Teens: Inspiring and Empowered) at SMP Muhammadiyah 5 Surabaya on Tuesday (19/5). This activity carried the theme of puberty and healthy menstruation education for adolescents based on community values and beliefs. The program aimed to improve knowledge and build positive attitudes among adolescent female students in facing puberty and menstruation in a healthy, confident, and responsible manner.
The activity began at 07.30 WIB with participant mobilization and attendance, which was attended by 30 seventh-grade female students of SMP Muhammadiyah 5 Surabaya. The event was then opened by the MC, followed by a prayer and the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya, together. After that, remarks were delivered by the Chairperson of the Committee, Zalfa Mutiara Shofi, vice principal Syafiur Rohman, ST., M.Pd, and facilitator lecturer Tiyas Kusumaningrum, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep.Before entering the material session, participants first completed a pre-test to measure their initial understanding regarding puberty and healthy menstruation. The atmosphere of the activity became more interactive through an ice-breaking session guided by the committee. Furthermore, the students presented material using interactive PowerPoint media and animated educational videos discussing the stages of puberty, adolescent reproductive health, menstrual physiology, as well as myths and facts related to menstruation that develop within society.
Before entering the material session, participants first completed a pre-test to measure their initial understanding regarding puberty and healthy menstruation. The atmosphere of the activity became more interactive through an ice-breaking session guided by the committee. Furthermore, the students presented material using interactive PowerPoint media and animated educational videos discussing the stages of puberty, adolescent reproductive health, menstrual physiology, as well as myths and facts related to menstruation that develop within society.
The material presented was a collaboration of the Healthy and Acute Illness Pediatric Nursing, Maternity Nursing, and Psychosocial Culture in Nursing courses. In addition to explaining physical and psychological changes during adolescence, the students also provided education regarding the importance of menstrual hygiene management, such as maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation, implementing a healthy lifestyle, and how to face menstruation without shame or fear.
During the material reinforcement session, the facilitator lecturer also provided additional explanations regarding the importance of reproductive health education from an early age. “Puberty and menstruation are normal biological processes. Adolescents need to receive accurate information so they do not easily believe myths that can actually have negative impacts on health,” said Tiyas Kusumaningrum, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep.
The participants’ enthusiasm was visible throughout the question-and-answer session and educational games. Many female students actively asked questions regarding body changes during puberty, menstrual pain, and various restrictions that are often believed within society. The activity was then continued with a post-test as an evaluation of the participants’ increased knowledge after receiving the material.
The event was closed with an awarding session for active participants, the presentation of a plaque to the school, and a documentation session with all participants, committee members, and facilitator lecturers. Through the BESTIE activity, the students hope that the female students of SMP Muhammadiyah 5 Surabaya will be able to better understand puberty and menstruation, implement healthy living behaviors during menstruation, and have confidence in facing changes during adolescence.
Writer: Lailatul Ikrimah
Editor: Nandyta Putri Rahmadhani (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
