Help Promote Good Reading Habits in Kalimantan

Dear YUM supporters,

My name is Atiqah, and I am an International Relations student from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Malaysia. I am currently interning at Yayasan Usaha Mulia (YUM), and as part of my internship, I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in Kalimantan. Through this letter, I would like to share some of the meaningful experiences I had during my visit.

The first activity I participated in was the Kids Entrepreneurship Program. This initiative introduces children to the basics of entrepreneurship at an early age. I was inspired by the children's incredible energy and determination to complete their sales. On market day, it began to rain heavily, and the YUM staff initially decided to stop the event. However, the children were so eager that they asked for permission to continue selling their products to nearby community settlements. I accompanied them on their walk, and it was truly heartwarming to witness their enthusiasm and confidence while learning practical skills that will benefit them in the future.

At the Creativity Day, I was deeply impressed by the children's performances. They were talented, bright, and full of ideas. Many of them are confident in English, and I  saw their creativity expressed through dance and other artistic activities. These young people show so much potential, and with continued support, I believe they can achieve great things.

Another memorable moment was my visit to the community library. The library offers excellent facilities and provides a quiet, inspiring space for children to read, learn, and imagine. I could see how the library encourages them to read more, explore knowledge, and build their imagination. A space like this is truly important for their growth and education.

The community members I met were very welcoming and helpful, always approachable and kind in their interactions. Although the area is still developing and quite far from the city, the warmth of the people made the experience very meaningful. I also gained new experiences adjusting to the local environment, one that was different from what I was used to.

Overall, my visit to Kalimantan was a valuable learning journey. I saw firsthand how YUM’s programs empower children and communities with knowledge, skills, and opportunities. I witnessed how the support you have given makes these impactful initiatives possible for the people in this community, especially for the children.

I hope you will continue to support this Community Library project, enabling more children and families to benefit from these initiatives and work toward a brighter future. The good news is that GlobalGiving is currently matching donations until Friday, September 12 at 5pm EDT. The more donations this organization receives, the larger their share of the $215,000 Incentive Fund! If you were thinking of sending a donation to this wonderful project, now is the time!

Warm regards,

Atiqah