West Lombok, 23/7/2025 — In an effort to introduce Arabic language and culture to children from an early age, students from Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service Learning Program (KKN-PPM) organized a program titled “Arabic Days: Introduction to Arabic Language and Culture” in Karang Bucu Lauq Hamlet, Bagik Polak Village, West Lombok Regency. Held every Tuesday and Wednesday over a three-week period from July 8 to July 23, 2025, the sessions took place at the Syamsul Huda prayer hall.
This initiative was led by a member of the KKN-PPM Antologi Labuapi Team, a student from the Arabic Study Program at UGM, as a form of community engagement through education rooted in Islamic and cultural values. The primary goal was to introduce children to the basics of the Arabic language and cultural elements in a fun and engaging way. The participants were children attending the local TPQ (Qur’anic Learning Center), ranging from 3 to 8 years old.
Throughout the program, KKN students guided the children directly in learning hijaiyah letters, reading Iqra and the Qur’an, and introducing them to basic Arabic vocabulary, greetings, and aspects of Arab culture, such as traditional foods and clothing. Each session was designed to be child-friendly and enjoyable, using interactive learning methods like illustrated PowerPoint presentations, Islamic-themed animated videos, educational songs, and simple games with Islamic nuances. These methods ensured that the children not only understood the material but also enjoyed and stayed engaged throughout the learning process.
The children showed high enthusiasm and curiosity from the very first day, actively participating in every activity with joy and interest. The local community warmly welcomed and supported the program, seeing it as a positive contribution to the children’s learning, especially in religious education and broader exposure to Islamic culture. Parents and community members appreciated the students’ active involvement in delivering fun and communicative learning.
Through Arabic Days, the KKN-PPM students hope to instill a love for the language of the Qur’an and broaden the children’s understanding of the rich and diverse Arab culture. This program stands as a testament to how creatively designed education can bridge religious and cultural values in a harmonious and impactful way within local communities.
Author: Chusna Shifati
