Enhancing Rural Children’s English Skills through “Mini English Camp: My English Life!”: An Observational Evaluation

Adaninggar Septi Subekti; Kenny Jessica Aurora Clara  Devta; Amelia Putri  Aftiana; Andika Rizky  Pratama; Immanuel  Usodo; Anastasia Graciella Angelina; Rian Raihan  Octavian

doi:10.59395/altifani.v6i4.1236

Authors

Adaninggar Septi Subekti Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Kenny Jessica Aurora Clara Devta Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Amelia Putri Aftiana Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Andika Rizky Pratama Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Immanuel Usodo Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Anastasia Graciella Angelina Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Rian Raihan Octavian Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59395/altifani.v6i4.1236

Keywords:

English for Young Learners, rural education, service learning

Abstract

This article reports on an English language programme named “Mini English Camp: My English Life!” The programme aimed at enhancing the English skills of young learners in the village of Kalijoho, Argosari, Bantul, Yogyakarta. This goal of the programme was continually monitored through observations. The programme, which was part of a month-long service-learning project, was designed and delivered by six students from Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, with one serving as the lead facilitator. The primary goal of the programme was to introduce basic English language skills in an engaging and accessible way, while also boosting the learners' confidence and interest in English. The participants, aged 6 to 8, had minimal exposure to English in their daily lives, making this initiative crucial for fostering curiosity about the language. Each session, lasting 60 minutes, focused on interactive activities such as songs, games, and practical exercises, aimed at building vocabulary, simple phrases, and communication skills. The programme spanned five meetings, held after school hours to accommodate the children's schedules. The results suggest that, despite the limited number of sessions, the programme successfully introduced young learners to English in a fun and participatory environment.

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Author Biographies

Adaninggar Septi Subekti, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Adaninggar Septi SUBEKTI

Adaninggar obtained her doctoral degree from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), Indonesia, and her M.Sc. in TESOL from University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. She currently works as a lecturer at the English Language Education Department, Faculty of Education and Humanities of Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW), Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Editor-in-Chief of SAGA Journal UKDW, she is also a reviewer of MEXTESOL Journal, SiELE Journal, Englisia Journal, LLT Journal, Pedagogy Journal, and Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal. Her research interest includes L2 learners’ individual differences, Global Englishes, L2 writing, multilingualism, and inclusive education in ELT.

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.id/citations?user=f03gmioAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Web of Science Researcher ID: ADG-6215-2022

ORCiD ID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6641-0307

SCOPUS ID: 57202583019 https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57202583019
Kenny Jessica Aurora Clara Devta, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Kenny Jessica Aurora Cara Devta is an upper-semester student of English Education at Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Currently employed in the hospitality and tourism field. This job has immensely aided in the sharpening of her public speaking skills and the practical use of English. Her passionate about culture and languages, particularly English, as well as the teaching of English, informed by curriculum and pedagogy.

E-mail: kennyjssc04@gmail.com
Amelia Putri Aftiana, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Amelia Putri Aftiana is an upper-semester Informatics student at the Faculty of Information Technology, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. She is passionate about developing both web and mobile applications that respond to real societal challenges. Her work centers on community driven digital solutions designing platforms that are not only technologically sound but also accessible and meaningful for underserved populations. Through her academic journey, she strives to bridge technology and impact.

E-mail: ameliaaftiana@gmail.com
Andika Rizky Pratama, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Andika Rizky Pratama is an upper-semester Information Systems student at the Faculty of Information Technology, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He is deeply interested in leveraging data, systems integration, and user-oriented solutions to solve practical problems in communities. His academic focus lies in designing and managing information systems that are not only efficient and scalable, but also socially impactful. With a strong drive for innovation and collaboration, he aims to develop technology that empowers users and enhances decision-making in real-world settings.

E-mail: andika121pratama@gmail.com
Immanuel Usodo, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Immanuel is an upper semester student at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He currently works as an assistant in Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana’s Clinical Pathology Laboratory. His research interest includes pathology, biomarkers, and the potential of using biomarkers as a predictive factor in cancer patients.

E-mail: TheNuelMC@gmail.com
Anastasia Graciella Angelina, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Anastasia is an upper-semester medical student at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Her research interest is in ophthalmology, particularly in vision preservation and the early detection of eye diseases. In addition to her clinical interests, she is also passionate about public health, with a focus on preventive strategies and community-based health promotion.

E-mail: anastasiaapnh11@gmail.com
Rian Raihan Octavian, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Rian Raihan Octavian is a final-year student at the Architecture Program, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. His academic interests focus on green architecture and landscape architecture, particularly in integrating sustainable design principles into urban and environmental planning. He is passionate about exploring how architecture can harmonize with nature to create healthier and more livable spaces.

E-mail: rianraihanoktavian@gmail.com

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