Semarang – The Community Service Team from the Faculty of Education and Psychology (FIPP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), organized a community engagement program themed “Strengthening the Competence of Early Childhood Education Teachers in Dance Learning to Enhance Creativity and Local Culture.” The program was held on August 22, 2025, and targeted Early Childhood Education (PAUD) teachers in Sambirejo Village, Semarang Regency.
The training aimed to strengthen teachers’ skills in integrating dance into early childhood learning. Through dance, children are not only encouraged to move and express themselves but are also introduced to local cultural values that form part of the nation’s identity.
Renistiara Medilianasari, M.Pd., the head of the community service team, explained that dance is an effective medium for fostering creativity while preserving local wisdom. “PAUD teachers need confidence and creativity in teaching dance. We hope this program will enable teachers to develop simple and enjoyable dance lessons while introducing regional culture to children from an early age,” she stated.
The activity was conducted in collaboration with Fathin Farah Fadhilah, S.Psi., M.Psi., who opened the session with material on the relationship between movement and song in early childhood development. The program was further supported by Ni Kadek Aris Rahmadani, S.Pd., M.Pd., Naila Nasywa, S.Psi., M.Psi., Fitri Febri Handayani, S.Pd., M.Pd., along with several student participants. This collaboration strengthened synergy among lecturers in developing impactful community service programs.
During the training session, teachers were guided to explore simple movements, create children’s dance choreographies accompanied by regional music and songs, and utilize dance properties made from simple materials. This approach not only makes it easier for children to follow movements but also fosters courage, cooperation, and self-confidence.
Through this program, the FIPP UNNES Community Service Team reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education). It is expected that the outcomes of this program will encourage PAUD teachers in Sambirejo Village to become more creative in designing learning activities while serving as agents of local cultural preservation from an early age.
