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This community service project aims to develop children's potential through the art of coloring as an effective educational tool to enhance social and cultural understanding. The activity was held at Jl. Binalatung, RT 11, Pantai Amal, Tarakan Timur, a coastal area that is also a border region. The background for this project is the limited access of children in this area to creative activities that could support their personal development and awareness of social and cultural diversity. A coloring competition was chosen as the approach, involving 30 participants from kindergarten to elementary school age, many of whom do not continue to formal education.Using a participatory method, children were not only invited to color but were also given an understanding of the meanings and cultural values embedded in each image. Furthermore, the activity was designed to foster a sense of togetherness, sportsmanship, and self-confidence. The results showed very high enthusiasm from the participants. They were not only able to produce beautiful artworks but also demonstrated an increased understanding of the importance of appreciating differences and cultural diversity. This report proves that the art of coloring plays a crucial role as a tool to bridge the knowledge gap and foster cultural awareness, especially for children in remote and border areas who have limited access to education and educational entertainment. Therefore, it is recommended that similar programs be continued with more varied materials to support the holistic development of children in coastal regions.

This community service project aims to develop children's potential through the art of coloring as an effective educational tool to enhance social and cultural understanding. The activity was held at Jl. Binalatung, RT 11, Pantai Amal, Tarakan Timur, a coastal area that is also a border region. The background for this project is the limited access of children in this area to creative activities that could support their personal development and awareness of social and cultural diversity. A coloring competition was chosen as the approach, involving 30 participants from kindergarten to elementary school age, many of whom do not continue to formal education.Using a participatory method, children were not only invited to color but were also given an understanding of the meanings and cultural values embedded in each image. Furthermore, the activity was designed to foster a sense of togetherness, sportsmanship, and self-confidence. The results showed very high enthusiasm from the participants. They were not only able to produce beautiful artworks but also demonstrated an increased understanding of the importance of appreciating differences and cultural diversity. This report proves that the art of coloring plays a crucial role as a tool to bridge the knowledge gap and foster cultural awareness, especially for children in remote and border areas who have limited access to education and educational entertainment. Therefore, it is recommended that similar programs be continued with more varied materials to support the holistic development of children in coastal regions.

Community Service (KKN) is a means of implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education (Tri Dharma) in the aspect of community service. This article describes the implementation of KKN Group 17 of Universitas PGRI Sumenep in 2025, located in Poreh Village, Lenteng District, Sumenep Regency. The program lasted one month (July 23–August 23, 2025) and employed a participatory approach. The program included six main programs (village logo creation, MSME product digitalization, August 17th competition, parenting outreach, ecobricks, coloring competition) and four supporting programs (community service, healthy exercise, cheerful Quranic study group, and study mentoring). The implementation method consisted of initial observation, village deliberation-based planning, program implementation with active community involvement, and joint evaluation. Results indicated increased environmental awareness, the formation of a village visual identity, the development of MSME digital literacy, increased community participation, and increased motivation for learning among children. Issues that emerged included low community participation, limited facilities, and program sustainability. Solutions are sought through cultural approaches, program adaptations, and the formation of community mobilization groups. This article emphasizes that KKN plays a strategic role in community empowerment when implemented contextually, adaptively, and sustainably.

The Children’s Reading and Learning Corner program is a community service activity implemented by Group 7 of the Community Service Program (KKN) from Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Jakarta in Kalibaru Subdistrict, North Jakarta. This program was designed to address the challenge of low reading interest and the limited access to learning facilities among children in the local community. The main target of the activity was children aged 5–8 years, with the objective of increasing reading interest, strengthening basic cognitive skills, and fostering positive learning habits from an early age. The program was carried out through interactive learning methods with a thematic approach, combined with group discussions, question-and-answer sessions, shared reading, and simple practices that encouraged active participation. The learning materials covered Basic Mathematics, Indonesian Language, and General Knowledge, all adjusted to the children’s comprehension levels. In addition, a coloring competition was held to foster creativity, train fine motor skills, and create a fun and engaging learning atmosphere. Evaluation results indicated a significant improvement in children’s enthusiasm for learning, better understanding of the provided materials, and more active involvement during the sessions. The children also demonstrated increased self-confidence, particularly when asked to read aloud or answer questions in front of their peers. Furthermore, the provision of a bookshelf in the community hall became a strategic step to establish a sustainable reading space that could be used outside of program hours. Overall, the program successfully achieved its intended goals and is considered feasible to be expanded to other areas. Additional support in the form of a wider collection of books, more creative learning media, and consistent community involvement will be key factors in ensuring the sustainability and long-term impact of the program.