MENGHIDUPKAN KEMBALI SEMANGAT BELAJAR ANAK DESA MELALUI PENGEMBANGAN RUMAH BACA DI DESA DAREK, KECAMATAN PRAYA BARAT DAYA

Abstract

Literacy is a fundamental skill in education, playing a crucial role in shaping young generations who are intelligent, creative, and competitive in the era of globalization. In Desa Darek, Kecamatan Praya Barat Daya, Central Lombok, children’s reading interest is still relatively low. This condition is caused by limited access to books, minimal non-formal learning facilities, and insufficient support from families and the surrounding community. To address this issue, students of the 2025 Community Service Program (KKN PMD) at the University of Mataram implemented a Reading House development program aimed at enhancing a participatory and sustainable literacy culture. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach with Participatory Action Research (PAR) methods, involving children, parents, teachers, village officials, and students as active facilitators. Data were collected through observations, semi-structured interviews, activity documentation, and literature review, then analyzed descriptively to assess the impact of the program on reading interest, literacy skills, learning motivation, creativity, and community involvement.  The literacy activities included book inventory, literacy teaching at the Reading House for 45 days, literacy socialization at six elementary schools in Desa Darek, routine teaching at SD 1 Darek every Monday and Tuesday, and competitions such as poetry reading, short story reading, and coloring contests as part of village-level appreciation. Throughout the program, significant improvements were observed in children’s reading and writing skills, critical thinking, creativity, self-confidence, and active participation from parents, teachers, and the community. These activities successfully established a supportive literacy ecosystem among the Reading House, schools, and homes, providing enjoyable and interactive learning experiences for the village children.