Help Promote Good Reading Habits in Kalimantan

SATRIA

“My name is Satria, I am in the 6th grade. I have known YUM since I was in Kindergarten but I only started to become an active member of the Community Library since I was in 5th grade. YUM’s library is very different from the other library in any school and area here. In this library, we can play with various educational and creative toys. But before we start any activity, we have to read any book for 10 minutes. I love to read Science books, meanwhile my favorite activities are drawing, coloring and milk distribution.  At the end of this semester, I will face the National Final Exams that all 6th graders in Indonesia have to do so that we can continue our studies to the Secondary school. I will be in the library more often to study and read more to prepare for the examination. Thanks YUM!”

YOVANCA

“I am Yovanca and now in 6th grade. My mother drives me to the Library by motorcycle because the distance from my house to the library is quite far. I like to participate in every library activities, such as English Club, Computer  Club, Dance Club and many others. I love reading fairy tale stories and kids magazines. I wish by reading more, I can become smarter.”

YUM’s community library in Kalimantan has been the second home for many children in Bukit Batu, Palangkaraya.  Therefore it is essential for us to keep the reading materials updated, create educational and creative activities and facilitate these activities with qualified tutors.  Through your generous support through GlobalGiving, more and more children like Satria and Yovanca will benefit the library. Thank you!

Besides educative activities, the YUM Community Library in Kalimantan also runs light and fun activities like Coloring, Drawing and Playing Outdoors. Almost every day, a group of children asks our Librarian, Miss Rusti, to distribute their drawing books. Each child has been given a drawing book being kept in the library and Miss Rusti prepares materials such as pencils, coloring pens, erasers etc. And sometimes, she prints pictures for the smaller children who prefer coloring rather than drawing. The themes they prefer are about sports, animals and food.

It is not easy for the children to compose and deliver their ideas wisely through paper. Therefore twice a month, we run a writing activity as well. There are many positive impacts from this activity such as releasing stress, learning to be patient, being trained to live orderly, and writing could also be a potential future job for those children.

Playing games can be done inside or outside the library. Indoor games include playing with toys, dolls, bricks, cards or boards. If the weather is not too hot or rainy, we run activities outside the library. Badminton is the game most children love to play, either boys or girls. The other favorite sport and games are football, jump rope, hula hoop, Eagle & Snake, as well as traditional games.

“I come to YUM’s Library almost every day. There are so many interesting books that I want to read. Sometimes I work on my school assignment here, because I can use the library books to help me study. My favorite activities are coloring and drinking milk. I wish the library will get more room, so my friend and I will have more room to study and play.”   Susi, 4^th grade.

Thanks to your kind support through GlobalGiving, YUM can provide educative and quality materials and games to support children’s activities in Bukit Batu, Central Kalimantan where YUM’s Community Library is the one and only place where children can spend time after school without having to worry about their safety.