MEDAN, JurnalPost.com – Fostering a love for reading while building children's self-confidence was the focus of a community service project carried out by Group 73 of the Compulsory Curriculum Course (MKWK) at the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) at the Benih Kasih Indonesia Orphanage in Medan on Saturday (7/11/2026).
Through a program titled CAHAYA ASA: Increasing Learning Enthusiasm and Literacy for Children at the Benih Kasih Indonesia Orphanage, the students introduced various educational activities designed to encourage reading habits, boost learning motivation, and help children identify their future aspirations.
The event, held on Jalan Sei Belutu No. 11, Merdeka Village, Medan Baru District, North Sumatra, was part of the MKWK project by USU Group 73, focusing on the theme of quality education.
Beyond conducting joint study sessions, the students also provided literacy facilities intended to be utilized by the children long after the program concludes.
Introducing the 'Cahaya' Reading Corner for Orphanage Children
One of the core activities of the CAHAYA ASA program was the establishment of the Cahaya Reading Corner, a dedicated reading facility for the children of the Benih Kasih Indonesia Orphanage.
The reading corner is equipped with various books collected by members of USU Group 73. Its presence is expected to expand the children's access to reading materials while creating a more comfortable and enjoyable learning environment.
For the students, providing a reading corner is more than just sharing books. This facility is intended to be a means for children to discover new knowledge, develop their imaginations, and build independent reading habits.
Through the Cahaya Reading Corner, children have the opportunity to read together or individually. This habit is expected to grow into a part of their daily activities at the orphanage.
Learning to Read and Building Confidence Through Storytelling
In addition to providing reading facilities, Group 73 of the USU MKWK also held a joint reading session followed by storytelling activities.
In this session, the children were invited to read selected books, understand the content, and then retell the stories using their own words and understanding.
This method provides space for children to be actively involved in the learning process. They not only read and listen to stories but also practice expressing ideas in front of others.
Through storytelling, the children have the opportunity to develop communication skills, practice memory, and increase their confidence in speaking.
The series of activities received a positive response from the children at the orphanage. They participated with enthusiasm and showed joy throughout the learning process.
This interactive learning atmosphere is one of the approaches used by USU Group 73 to introduce reading as a fun activity.
Building Enthusiasm for Learning and the Courage to Pursue Dreams
The CAHAYA ASA program does not only focus on literacy skills but also pays attention to learning motivation and the development of the children's aspirations.
Through educational activities, the students encouraged the children to understand the importance of education as a foundation for gaining knowledge, developing personal skills, and preparing for the future.
The children were also encouraged to identify their interests, envision the professions they want to pursue, and understand that every dream requires effort and a passion for learning.
This approach is expected to help the children build a positive outlook on education.
For USU Group 73, a passion for learning must be instilled through enjoyable experiences so that children do not view studying as a mere obligation, but as an opportunity to grow.
By combining reading, storytelling, and the introduction of career aspirations, the CAHAYA ASA program strives to provide a more meaningful learning experience for the children at the orphanage.
Selecting 'Cahaya Ambassadors' to Maintain Literacy Enthusiasm
As part of efforts to ensure the program's sustainability, USU Group 73 also held a selection for Cahaya Ambassadors or Reading Ambassadors.
This initiative aims to encourage the children to remain active in reading and to utilize the Cahaya Reading Corner facilities after the community service project concludes.
The Reading Ambassadors are expected to be drivers of literacy enthusiasm within the orphanage while encouraging their peers to make reading a positive habit.
The presence of the Cahaya Ambassadors also serves as a student approach to building a sense of responsibility and care for collective learning activities.
With the reading corner and the Cahaya Ambassadors, the benefits of the program are expected to extend beyond the event itself, continuing to be felt by the children through the support of the orphanage management.
CAHAYA ASA: A Small Step Toward Quality Education
The implementation of the CAHAYA ASA program is a manifestation of the contribution of Universitas Sumatera Utara students in supporting quality education through community service.
This program demonstrates that efforts to improve the quality of education can start from simple activities, such as providing books, accompanying children as they read, providing space for storytelling, and fostering the courage to pursue dreams.
Through direct involvement in the community, students also gain experience in understanding the educational needs of children while developing social awareness.
Group 73 of the USU MKWK hopes that the Cahaya Reading Corner can continue to be utilized as a learning space that supports the development of knowledge, creativity, and a love for reading among the children at the Benih Kasih Indonesia Orphanage.
More than just a book-sharing program, CAHAYA ASA is expected to be the beginning of a sustainable literacy habit.
Because, from every page of a book read, children have the opportunity to discover new knowledge, broaden their horizons, and build hope for the future they aspire to.
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