STRENGTHENING THE EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING ECOSYSTEM THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RUANG MASA DEPAN: A COMMUNITY-BASED COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM

Abstract

The limited availability of community-based learning spaces that integrate character education, creativity, environmental awareness, and digital literacy remains a challenge in supporting sustainable early childhood learning. This community service program aimed to strengthen the early childhood learning ecosystem through the establishment of the ”ruang masa depan”, a collaborative learning environment involving schools, families, and the local community. The program was implemented on 25 July 2026 in Pasuluhan Village, Walantaka District, Serang City, Banten Province, using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. Participants included 41 children, 20 university students, 2 lecturers, 8 village youth volunteers, early childhood education teachers, village officials, and community members. The implementation consisted of four stages: needs identification, establishment of the ruang masa depan, program implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. The ruang masa depan was developed into four learning zones: the mini cinema for environmental character education, the creativity zone for artistic and creative activities, the hope tree for strengthening children's motivation and aspirations, and the digital literacy zone for introducing age-appropriate digital reading and writing activities. The program successfully established a community-based learning centre that increased children's participation in contextual learning while strengthening collaboration among schools, families, universities, and the community. The ruang masa depan demonstrates the potential to serve as a sustainable community empowerment model that supports holistic early childhood development and can be replicated in other communities with similar characteristics.