Help Promote Good Reading Habits in Kalimantan

The renovation of our Community Library in Kalimantan is finally done! 

All of the furniture, books, materials and tools have now been put back in their places. What took more time was re-organizing the books according to each theme. The community library has more than 5,000 books, 200 magazines, 400 children’s movies and almost 100 different kinds of educational toys.

We set the Re-opening of YUM’s Library on the same date as our annual Creativity Day. “I have a dream” was the chosen theme for this Creativity Day event. We want to encourage the children to dare to dream big and pursue them bravely. We also want to emphasize the importance of completing their basic education.  Many children in Bukit Batu, Central Kalimantan do not have the opportunity to finish their education due to a lack of parental support, both financially and mentally. Early age marriages, the need to find a job to support their families and stunting issues are just a few of the problems that hold these kids back from finishing their education.

There were several creative and fun games and competitions held before the day of the reopening: coloring, drawing, storytelling, hula hoop and making a speech in English . The day of the reopening was marked by a ribbon cutting session by the representative of Linklaters, the generous donor who has given their full support toward the renovation. During the Creativity Day event, the children from the dance club performed “Karami Anak Luwu Ewu” and the children from the English club sang “I have a dream”, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” and “Laskar Pelangi”. Finally, came the children’s most favorite session: the announcement of the winners and the reward distribution. Around 400 children were at the event and they enjoyed every moment!

“On behalf of my school, I would like to thank YUM for inviting us to take part in this competition. All of our students are very happy with this event.  Our students won the 2nd prize in the coloring competition” Miss Fitriana, Tangkiling School principal.

“During YUM’s Creativity Day, I participated in the coloring competition but unfortunately I did not win. But I did win the second position for Hula Hoop competition. I came here with my friends from school. We enjoy all of the activities very much and cannot wait to visit the library after school. Thank you YUM and all of the donors for your kind support.” Riandra,  1st grade student.