Mulyodadi — Bambanglipuro The implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka in preschool emphasizes the importance of a “meaningful activity” and children’s literature-based activities as one of the strategies for strengthening character and early literacy. By increasing children’s reading interest, evoking imagination, developing intelligence, and introducing new things, getting children used to reading aloud is aimed at increasing the low percentage of the current literacy survey in Indonesia. Therefore, preschool teachers play a significant role in reading books aloud while at the same time becoming role models in reading aloud for their students. 

To resolve the concern, a team consisting of Dr. Ari Nurhayati, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Nandy Intan Kurnia, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Widyastuti Purbani, M.A., Niken Anggraeni, S.S., M.A., Dr. Rachmat Nurcahyo, M.A., and five students from the 2020 and 2021 batches conducted a community service program that aims to improve the reading aloud skills of 30 teachers in Putra Mulya Preschool Teacher Association in Mulyodadi Village, Bambanglipuro, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta. A series of activities were performed in this program over the course of six months. The first stage, observation, started in February 2023. Afterward, three main programs were conducted: (1) giving lectures and facilitating discussions on May 6, 2023; (2) training and presenting reading-aloud models on June 24, 2023; and (3) performing the reading-aloud practice on July 1, 2023. The team started by providing insights into the importance of reading aloud to children’s education and encouraging preschool teachers to cultivate literacy through reading aloud. The team went on by giving out techniques and examples. Lastly, the preschool teachers were given opportunities to participate in the reading-aloud practices.

The evaluation was undertaken in August 2023. From the questionnaire's result, the full attendance, and the enthusiasm of the participants, it can be inferred that the community service program was not only well conducted but also received positive feedback. With the support of the Mulyodadi Village and Bambanglipuro District government, the program provided benefits to the target participants. The collaboration has the potential to continue as expected by the participants.