Enthusiasm for Reading - Wamena's Children

What's happens if children don't have acess to books?

Papua has the highest rate of illiteracy among other provinces in Indonesia. From recent data, 31% of Papua residents still face illiteracy. It's common to find illiterate people in Papua because this area lacks infrastructure and human resources.

In Wamena, a remote place in Papua, most children are not familiar with the practice of reading. There are many primary school students who are still unable to read.

Book is a window of the world. Book will also make life better. 

- a local saying

The Wahana Visi Indonesia office in La'uk Nayak is working in cooperation with the Department of Education in Jayawijaya, Department of Regional Library in Jayawijaya, and also some assisted schools in La'uk Nayak. The departments will distribute books for students in primary schools so they will have more interest in reading.

This breakthrough method is being conducted in all schools in La'uk Nayak. Besides having coordination with local departments, there is also cooperation with Sesame Street (Jalan Sesama) to provide films for the children. Now, many students have high interest in reading because they can finally access books easily.

"I don't have any books to read at home but now I'm happy because today I could read a book," said Melience, a fifth grade student of YPPK Honelama primary school.

With the availability of the library, the children' interests in reading and studying have increased significantly. Although the real results won't be seen in the short time, the positive effect will be seen in the future. Wamena and Papua will have more knowledgeable for future generations.

*Written by Kalep Lau, Education Officer, Wahana Visi Indonesia at La'uk Nayak operational office