Strengthening Early Childhood Islamic Education through the *Iqro* Recitation Program and English Language Introduction at the Baitul Salam Munawaroh Mosque, STIESNU

Abstract

Early Islamic education and exposure to foreign languages play a significant role in shaping children’s mental and spiritual readiness in the modern era. This study was motivated by the situation at the TPQ of the STIESNU Bengkulu Mosque, which highlighted the need to strengthen young children’s motivation to learn the Quran, as well as the lack of supplementary programs introducing them to international languages. In response to these challenges, Community Service Program (KKN) students from Fatmawati Sukarno State Islamic University in Bengkulu initiated a development program that combines the Iqro’ Quranic reading method with an interactive introduction to basic English. This step was taken as a creative strategy to revitalize positive activities for children within the campus mosque environment. This research aims to describe the implementation of the mentoring program and measure its effectiveness on the growth and development of the students. The method used is descriptive qualitative, in which data was collected directly in the field through observation of the learning process, in-depth interviews with Quran teachers and parents, and documentation of activities. The research findings indicate that a cheerful, caring, and small-group activity-based teaching approach has successfully boosted the children’s enthusiasm to return to the mosque. The “English for Kids” and “Iqro Ceria” programs have proven effective in improving reading fluency in the Iqro series while enriching the children’s English vocabulary. Furthermore, this program has successfully strengthened the commitment of parents and local residents to work together to support TPQ activities at the STIESNU Bengkulu Mosque.