Strengthening English Communication and Confidence among Young Learners in Salawati District

Abstract

English communication has become increasingly important for young people who need access to
education, technology, tourism, and wider social interaction. However, children and early
adolescents in rural communities often have limited opportunities to practise spoken English and
may hesitate to use the language because of restricted vocabulary and low confidence. This
community service program aimed to strengthen basic English communication skills and speaking
confidence among ten participants aged 10–12 years in Walal Village, Salawati District, Sorong
Regency. The one-month program applied a participatory and communicative approach, with role
play as the main learning method. The training focused on vocabulary for daily activities and the
use of singular and plural nouns through flashcards, visual materials, guided sentence practice,
language games, pair work, and simulated conversations. Evidence was collected through
observation, speaking-performance assessment, documentation, and participant feedback. The
participants demonstrated better vocabulary use, greater participation, improved ability to produce
simple singular and plural forms, and increased willingness to speak English. The program shows
that contextualised role play can provide an accessible community-based model for supporting
young learners’ communication skills and confidence in rural settings.