In September 2023, the Faculty of Psychology Universitas Padjadjaran, through the Community Service Department of the BEM Kema Fapsi Unpad (Student Executive Board of the Faculty of Psychology Universitas Padjadjaran), held an innovative work program entitled “Fapsi Mengajar Baca (PsiMBa)” or “Faculty of Psychology Teaches Reading” in Jatimukti Village, Jatinangor, Sumedang Regency. This program aims to develop children’s literacy skills, especially in the field of pre-literacy skills, in order to improve the quality of education in the village.

PsiMBa 2023 focused on reading training for children at Al-Wustho Kindergarten, Jatimukti Village. This activity lasted for two months, from September to October 2023. A total of 20 Kindergarten B children were the main targets in this program, selected based on the initial assessment results, which showed the need to improve their reading comprehension.

The PsiMBa program involves 20 instructors who are tasked with delivering materials that have been compiled by the Literature & Curriculum Conceptor (LCC) division. The curriculum was specifically designed based on the pre-test results, focusing on four key literacy competencies: Vocabulary, Letter Name & Sound, Diphthongs, and Phonological Awareness.

The learning methods used are also designed to be exciting and in accordance with the interests of kindergarten children, such as the use of educational toys, fairy tales, videos, and songs. This approach is expected to make it easier for children to understand the material and increase their interest in reading activities.

At the end of the program, a post-test was conducted to evaluate the children’s progress during the training. The results of this post-test are then delivered to parents in the form of a report card, which contains information about the extent to which their child’s reading skills have developed.

PsiMBa 2023 is a tangible manifestation of the Faculty of Psychology’s commitment to support the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the field of inclusive and quality education. This program is expected to benefit not only the participants’ children but also positively impact the Jatimukti Village community in the long run.