Manajemen Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Laznas Yatim Mandiri Kediri pada Program Mandiri Entrepreneur Center (MEC)

Abstract

This study analyzes the management of economic empowerment implemented by LAZNAS Yatim Mandiri Kediri through the Mandiri Entrepreneur Center (MEC) program. MEC is a flagship initiative providing one year of intensive vocational education and training for orphans and underprivileged senior high school or vocational school graduates with the goal of achieving economic independence. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with LAZNAS management, MEC instructors, and alumni, as well as through observation of training activities and documentation analysis. Data analysis focused on identifying the stages of management applied in the program, including planning, organizing, implementing, and controlling. The findings reveal that MEC’s empowerment management is structured and integrated. The planning stage involves industry needs assessment and strict participant selection. Organizing is conducted through a boarding-based educational structure combining three main development aspects: vocational competence, spiritual and moral strengthening, and entrepreneurial training. Program implementation is supported by a competency-based curriculum and partnerships with various employment agencies. Supervision and evaluation are conducted continuously to ensure effective utilization of ZISWAF (Zakat, Infaq, Sedekah, and Waqf) funds. This study concludes that the effective and integrated management of the MEC program has successfully fostered students’ economic independence, produced job-ready graduates with strong character, and contributed meaningfully to poverty reduction in the Kediri area.