Help Promote Good Reading Habits in Kalimantan

Living in today’s digital world makes it impossible for technology and the Internet to not be a part of children’s and youth’s development. If used positively, these can be very helpful but if they are misused, they can be quite harmful. In Bukit Batu, Central Kalimantan, where YUM’s Community Library is located, not every child is fortunate enough to engage with either mobile phone or computer. Both of these devices are luxurious items for them.

Since the beginning of the year, we have a new activity at the YUM Community Library called The Computer Club. This activity aims to introduce the children to technology in a positive way. We want our children to have the same capability as those who live in the big cities. The program is designed for children in 4^th to 6^th grade. We first started the Computer Club with two computers in the library, but since there were many children who wanted to join this activity, we moved the activity to the Vocational Training Centre building, in the computer room, where more computers are available.

The children are divided into two groups and each group has a tutor. Their first lesson was how to turn on the computer and then to turn it off. Furthermore they learned how to type, how to use Microsoft Excel, etc. We also introduced them how to use the Internet and search information by using Google. Finding games is also one of the lessons taught; helping them find simple games on the computer. Our mission is to impart awareness and knowledge on how to use technology and the Internet in a positive way.

As there is no other library, children’s playground, sports hall or recreational club in the Bukit Batu area, YUM’s Community Library is the one and only safe and comfortable place that exists for the children and youth. Besides their home and their school, our library is a place where they spend most of their time. The building is designed with two doors and several big windows, to keep the air circulating during warm days. The floor is covered with carpets for them to read and play. The library activities are designed based on the children’s needs and as part of their informal education. Our hope is that the library continues to welcome new and younger members every year!

YUM is taking part in the #SafeSpaces4Youth – GlobalGiving’s 2018 Youth Week Campaign. Between August 6^th and August 12^th, if you or your family & friends become recurring donors to this project, GlobalGiving promises to match 100% on new recurring donations! So what are you waiting for?

The title of this report was the chosen theme of the Creativity Day at YUM’s Community Library in Kalimantan. We wish to impart the awareness about health and the environment to our library members. Some of these children had a bad experience living with heavy smoke haze for almost a month about two years ago. They are probably more conscious about their health and of environmental issues compared to children living in the other area.

It would not be Creativity Day if it were not filled with fun and joy for the children. For a week, the children could participate in many competitions such as drawing & coloring, puzzle making, words arrangement, blowing balloons, hula hoop, and running with sarong (Indonesia traditional fabric). We also invited the students from three kindergartens nearby YUM’s site to participate in the competitions and attend the Creativity Day event.

On the day of the event, YUM’s Dance club children performed the Manasai and the Selendang dance. The children from the English club in the Library and the English class at the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) performed a play entitled “Taking care of the earth”. At the end of the show, all of the children sang “Earth, we’re in it together”.

And finally, the moment that the children all look forward to during Creativity Day is no other that the announcement of the winners and the reward distribution. The children were really happy receiving the small gifts as the appreciation of their participation and achievements. There were around 280 children who participated in this event and all of them cannot wait to have another Creativity Day!

Thank you very much for your generous donation for the children in Bukit Batu, Central Kalimantan. YUM wishes to continue providing qualified education and facilities in the area through the community library. Once again, thank you for your support to this project.