Collaboration to Establish Literacy Villages in Biak
A village in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, has transformed into a literacy village. This means that it is a village that supports the development of children's literacy skills, both at home, in school, and in the community. One of the official markers of a literacy village is the availability of a Rumah Baca (reading house) in the village.
In May 2024, WVI, Mastercard, and Central Department Store successfully handed over a Rumah Baca to further support the realization of the literacy village. This handover was welcomed by the church in the village.
The Rumah Baca is not just an area filled with children's storybooks, letter pictures, or literacy decorations. But it becomes a place where children can gather to do fun and meaningful activities with tutors. Children are introduced to literacy in the most appropriate way, namely through games, songs, and storytelling.
"For approximately eight months, we have trained the tutors so that in the future, when WVI is no longer in Biak, these tutors can continue to assist the community. We hope that the children and beneficiaries of the Literacy Villages in the four villages will understand the importance of literacy, especially for children aged 6 to 11 years," said Sabtarina Dwi Febriyanti, zonal manager of WVI East Indonesia area.
At the handover ceremony, representatives from Mastercard and Central Department Store felt that the efforts that have been made since 2022 have had an impact on children in Biak. "We invite customers to work together to bring change, especially in the education sector for children in Papua. We hope that this can help children in Biak Numfor achieve their dreams," said Hedy Djaja Ria, Director of PT Central Retail Indonesia.
The same hope was conveyed by Wibawa Prasetyawan, Vice President and Head of Account Management Financial Institution Mastercard Indonesia. "This Literacy Village is a symbol of hope for children in Biak Numfor to explore the world through books and knowledge. This is our commitment, namely to make sustainable social impact a top priority in driving environmental and community empowerment in Indonesia," he said.
The collaboration between non-profit organizations and corporations is a good deed that can have a big impact on Indonesian children. One of these good steps has been taken by Mastercard and Central Department Store. Do your company or organization also want to participate in the process of transforming the lives of other children? Please click the following link for more information: https://wahanavisi.org/id/ayo-terlibat/kemitraan/korporasi-nasional.
Author: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
