Reading Hundreds of Books in Honai Baca

To improve children's reading abilities, Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) is implementing various programs. Through the Literacy Project, WVI continues to move to reach Indonesian children to have a better understanding of literacy. One of them is done in the Pegunungan Tengah region of Papua through the 'Ayo ke Honai Baca' program.

Honai Baca is one of the library facilities built by WVI with the support of the Sekolah Kreasi Anak Bangsa for children in two villages in Pegunungan Tengah. At least 600 reading books and various facilities such as chairs and tables, carpets, educative toys, and cushions are also available at the Honai Baca.

Cika, a grade 3 elementary school student, admitted that she was very happy to be able to access reading books easily in Honai Baca.

"We used to read books too but it was difficult because the books were very limited. If I wanted to read books, we had to wait for other friends to finish reading first. But now there are a lot of books and toys in Honai Baca, so I don't have to wait for my turn to read books again ... I'm very happy now," she said happily.

Not only Honai Baca, but also various other efforts have been made by WVI to maximize Literacy Project in the Pegunungan Tengah such as: conducting language literacy training for teachers, training volunteers/tutors at reading houses, accompanying reading houses and increasing parents' knowledge and awareness in assisting reading children at home.

Rona Pahabol, volunteer and tutor of one of Honai Baca, felt very grateful for the presence of Honai Baca in the area. The lack of books which has been a problem for children now can be resolved with the existence of the WVI program.

"We do activity in the Honai Read after the children come home from school. We hope that with Honai Baca children's reading ability will increase. God bless you," Rona explained.

The presence of Honai Baca in the middle of the Pegunungan Tengah community is an expectation that children's interest in reading and literacy skills will increase. Parents are also expected to become more concerned about children's education, to create an independent and prosperous Indonesian young generation.

Written by: Putri ianne Barus, Wahana Visi Indonesia's Communications Officer