The Joy of Rumah Baca Tutor in Papua

Sharing the same spirit as Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI), Sara Yunita (36) has taken on a dedicated role in promoting literacy among children in Papua. She carries out this work with diligence and commitment to ensure that no child is left behind in their reading skills. 

Affectionately known as Kak Sara, she works as a civil servant in the Biak Numfor Regency. She is also a Sunday School teacher and a tutor at a local Rumah Baca (Reading House). The village where she lives is an area supported by WVI. One of the collaborative activities between the community and WVI is the Reading House, an initiative designed to introduce children to the world of literacy. She believes that the Reading House serves as a vital space for children to learn reading and writing outside of formal schooling. 

Overcoming Literacy Challenges 

"Before WVI initiated the Reading House in our village, there were very few literacy activities, which led to delays in the children's development. I felt deeply concerned seeing younger children struggling to read at an age when they should already be fluent," explained Sara, who has been an active volunteer for children's activities since 2024. 

With patience and perseverance, Kak Sara teaches the children to recognise letters using methods and modules provided by WVI. Since these activities became a regular fixture at the Reading House, the children's passion for reading has grown. This positive shift has been further bolstered by donations of contextually relevant storybooks from sponsors. 

Results and Joy 

Her experience has shown that tackling literacy issues in rural villages begins with: 

• Prioritising children as the foundation for change. 

• Using correct methods to develop reading and writing skills. 

Kak Sara feels immense joy seeing the children she mentors slowly becoming more proficient. “One of the children I support can now write their own name, whereas before they couldn't write properly at all. This brings me such great happiness,” she concluded. 

Author: Emilia Sarakan (Field Facilitator for Biak Area Programme in Papua) 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)