Community-Based Literacy Empowerment for Santri in Rural Areas: A Pesantren-Based Community Service Study on Human Resource Development

Abstract

Educational disparities between urban and rural areas in Indonesia continue to hinder local human resource development, resulting in low community literacy levels. This study evaluates a community service program designed to empower rural communities through a pesantren-based literacy initiative in Tanjungsari Village, Sukabumi. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach over a 30-day intervention period, data were gathered through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving children, parents, and community leaders. The program deployed five key interventions: morning literacy classes, evening study sessions, teaching methodology workshops for local religious teachers, an emergency reading corner, and literacy parenting seminars. Results indicated that 78% of participating children demonstrated measurable improvements in reading skills. Furthermore, the intervention fostered active community participation, established autonomous study groups, and secured institutional support from village authorities. This research confirms that santri serve as strategic agents of social change by leveraging cultural-religious proximity to bridge educational gaps. Ultimately, this pesantren-driven model offers a viable, sustainable framework for advancing human resource development in marginalized rural communities.