Evaluating the Implementation of LEADERS Curriculum A Leadership Capacity-Building Approach for Youth Empowerment

This research emerged from the growing concern over the low level of youth participation and leadership in South Kalimantan Province, which has hindered the optimal achievement of the Youth Development Index. To address this challenge, the WEUS Youth Community implemented the LEADERS Curriculum as an effort to enhance youth leadership capacity through experiential learning approaches. This research employed a mixed-method design involving 40 young participants from various regions in South Kalimantan Province, Central Kalimantan Province, and East Kalimantan Province that were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through pretest–posttest, observations, and in-depth interviews, and analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The results showed a significant improvement in leadership skills (N-gain = 0.83) and a lower improvement in socio-emotional skills (N-gain = 0.35). Qualitative findings revealed increased self-confidence, initiative, and social responsibility among participants after the program. These results confirm that the LEADERS Curriculum effectively strengthens leadership capacity and fosters youth social awareness through collaboration, reflection, and community-based action. The findings are essential as a policy basis for designing sustainable and empowerment-based youth leadership development models.