MASS MEDIA OPINION

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM (KKN)

Written by students of the University of 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya: Putri Maulidia . & Gatot Hadi Purwanto, S.H., M.H., C.L.

Empowering Children’s Creativity in Pegirian

SURABAYA — Creativity is one of the essential skills that should be developed from an early age. However, amidst the increasing use of digital devices and the limited availability of educational activities in densely populated residential areas, children need opportunities to enhance their motor skills, attention to detail, and creativity through engaging and beneficial activities. This situation became a concern for students participating in the Community Service Program (KKN) of Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, who carried out community empowerment activities in RW 11 (RT 10 and RT 11), Pegirian Village, Semampir District, Surabaya.

In response to this condition, the KKN Social and Cultural Pillar Sub-Group 2 organized a bead stringing workshop as an educational activity aimed at fostering children’s creativity and fine motor skills. The program was designed to allow participants to learn through hands-on practice in a fun and interactive environment.

Before the practical session began, the students introduced the bead stringing activity to the participants. The children were given explanations about different types of beads, how to create simple patterns, techniques for threading beads onto strings, and examples of products that could be made. Afterward, each participant received a set of materials consisting of strings and colorful beads to be used throughout the workshop.

During the activity, the university students provided direct assistance to the children, guiding them through each stage, from selecting colors and arranging patterns to completing their beadwork as bracelets or other simple accessories. This guidance was intended to help participants understand the bead stringing process while also boosting their confidence in creating their own works.

According to Putri Maulidia, bead stringing is not merely an activity that produces simple handmade crafts, but also serves as an effective learning medium for children. Through the process of selecting colors, arranging patterns, and carefully threading beads onto strings, participants are encouraged to develop important values such as accuracy, patience, creativity, and independence. She explained that each child was given the opportunity to express their imagination through unique designs, allowing them to build confidence in their own abilities. Throughout the workshop, the children showed great enthusiasm and dedication while completing their creations. They learned to stay focused on their tasks, solve simple challenges independently, and appreciate the effort required to create something by hand. In addition, the activity fostered positive social interactions, as participants frequently shared ideas, encouraged one another, and helped their friends when needed. “The children were very enthusiastic throughout the workshop. They learned to stay focused on completing their own creations while interacting with and helping their friends. This became a positive experience that can support the development of both their social skills and creativity,” she explained. Putri hopes that activities such as bead stringing can continue to be implemented within the community as an enjoyable and meaningful way to support children’s personal growth and development.