Impacful Donations for Literacy in Papua

For a long time, our learning process at the Rumah Baca (reading house) has been hindered by a lack of resources such as tables, chairs, and cupboards. During our learning activities at the Rumah Baca, the children often had to sit on the floor as there weren’t enough seats and there were so many of them," explained Frits (42). Affectionately known as Bapak Frits, he is a church minister and a tutor at the Rumah Baca in a village in Sarmi Regency, Papua. Since the Rumah Baca available in the village, children have been enthusiastically attending and participating in literacy activities every Sunday. The lack of resources hasn't dampened the children's spirits, but this need is important because the quality of literacy activities at the Rumah Baca can be improved with the right facilities. 

"At first, we sat on the floor to study, but now we have chairs and tables, so we can study while sitting on chairs and tables," said Obed and Juan happily. Obed and Juan represent the joy felt by many other children who actively attend and participate in activities at the Rumah Baca. The colourful chairs and tables now available at the Rumah Baca have not only made learning more comfortable for the children but have also encouraged both the children and the tutor. The fact that there are donors and sponsors who care about the needs of the Rumah Baca in this remote village is very meaningful to the children. 

"Now the learning process can run smoothly, and the children can carry out the given programs. They can be more orderly because of this help. On behalf of the congregation, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your significant contribution to the development of the children. The donation of cupboards, tables, and chairs has greatly assisted us in teaching activities at the Rumah Baca," said Bapak Frits. 

The support for facilities provided by donors and sponsors is a manifestation of concern for the literacy skills challenges faced by children in Papua. Only 25% of third-grade elementary school children in Papua have the skills to read and understand what they read (WVI baseline data for 2022 for the Sentani, Biak, Central Mountains, and Asmat areas). 

Reading in the first year of elementary school is crucial for a child's memory and success in continuing their education at the next level. Literacy unlocks human potential and is the foundation of development. Children who have good reading skills will have better health and job opportunities, and achieve a safer and more stable community environment. On the other hand, children who do not develop their reading skills (cannot read) during early elementary education will be on a limited educational progress trajectory for life and, therefore, their economic opportunities will also be limited. 

The Rumah Baca is one way to expand access to education, especially literacy, for children in Papua. With the Rumah Baca, children can engage in literacy activities outside of school. Wahana Visi Indonesia, in collaboration with the community and stakeholders in the village, is making this effort so that Papuan children can receive the best possible education and achieve their highest aspirations. 

Author: Denny Alfredo (Field staff for SEEDS project in Sarmi, Papua)

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)