<![CDATA[Access to structured English-language learning remains limited for children in many rural areas of West Sumatra, including Korong Bukit Caliak, Nagari Campago, Kecamatan IV Koto Kampung Dalam, Kabupaten Padang Pariaman. Preliminary observations revealed that most children aged 2 to 11 years had never received systematic exposure to basic English vocabulary, despite exhibiting strong curiosity toward the language. To address this gap, a community service program was conducted under the Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) framework, aiming to deliver an engaging introduction to foundational English through a Community-Based Learning (CBL) approach. The instructional design integrated learning by doing, educational games, songs, flashcards, storytelling, drilling, question-and-answer activities, and role play. The program engaged 2 to 10 children per session across four weekly meetings held on 8, 15, 22, and 29 June 2026. The instructional topics progressed from greetings and the alphabet, numbers and colors, animals and fruits, to basic self-introduction complemented by a review game. Data were gathered through direct observation, field notes, simple pre-test and post-test vocabulary checks, and brief interviews with parents and local leaders, followed by descriptive analysis. Quantitative results demonstrated a marked improvement in average vocabulary mastery across all thematic areas, increasing from initial baselines of 25–40% to 70–82% after the intervention. Qualitatively, children displayed heightened confidence in pronouncing English words aloud and maintained active engagement throughout the sessions. Parents and community officials expressed strong support for sustaining similar educational activities beyond the KKN period. These findings indicate that a playful, context-sensitive community initiative effectively enhances basic English acquisition among rural young learners, serving as a adaptable model for future student-led community empowerment programs.
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