EMPOWERING RURAL LITERACY THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED SOCIAL SCIENCE EDUCATION: THE 'MARAS MACA' CASE IN WEST SUMBAWA

Abstract

This study explores the role of community-based social science education in enhancing rural literacy, focusing on the "Maras Maca" initiative in Seminar Salit Village, West Sumbawa, Indonesia. "Maras Maca," a grassroots literacy movement, was designed to respond to the limited access to reading materials and educational support among rural youth. Employing a qualitative case study approach, this research investigates how locally rooted educational interventions rooted in social science perspectives can foster critical awareness, civic engagement, and intergenerational learning in underserved areas. Data was collected through interviews with local educators, village leaders, and participants, as well as direct observations of the program's implementation. The findings reveal that integrating contextualized social science themes—such as identity, power relations, and environmental awareness—into literacy activities not only boosts reading comprehension but also strengthens learners’ connection to their community and cultural heritage. This study argues that social science education, when situated within the lived realities of rural communities, can become a transformative tool for empowerment and social change. Recommendations are offered for policymakers and educators to replicate similar models in other marginalized regions.