MENINGKATKAN MINAT BACA ANAK SD DI DESA HANDEL MELALUI PROGRAM LITERASI KKN KELOMPOK 27 STAIN MANDAILING NATAL

Abstract

Strengthening basic literacy among elementary school students is a fundamental aspect of improving the quality of education at the elementary level. Low interest in reading and limited literacy resources in the village of Handel were the primary reasons for implementing this community service program. The objectives of this program are to improve students’ literacy skills through reading, writing, and creative discussion activities based on a participatory approach, as well as to foster a sustainable culture of literacy in the elementary school in the village of Handel. Materials used in this program include children’s reading materials (storybooks, educational comics, and thematic reading modules), simple visual aids, and supporting tools such as whiteboards and writing utensils. The method applied was Participatory Action Research (PAR), which involved the following stages: identifying problems together with the community, planning activities, implementing the literacy program, observation, reflection, and evaluating the program’s effectiveness. Data were collected through direct observation, documentation, and interviews with teachers and students. The implemented literacy program significantly increased student participation. The number of participants rose from 12 students in the initial phase to 28 students in the final phase, representing a 133% increase. Students became more active in reading, discussing, and producing simple written works. Teachers and parents also began playing a role in supporting the program’s sustainability. This community service initiative successfully improved the basic literacy skills of elementary school students in the village of Handel through the PAR approach. The program not only led to an increase in the number of participants but also fostered a participatory culture of collaborative learning. Moving forward, the development of a simple digital literacy program and more intensive involvement from policymakers are needed to further ensure the sustainability of literacy activities in the village of Handel.