Joyful to Welcome the Arrival of Motor Pustaka in the Village
The atmosphere of the afternoon in the villages of Biak Regency, Papua, began to feel different. Usually, only a few children would gather to play, but this time the children were getting ready at home. As soon as they heard the roar of a motorbike, the children would immediately rush out of their houses. They then approached the Motor Pustaka (motorbike library). This vehicle carried exciting and colorful children's storybooks. The stories were also very much in line with Papuan culture. As soon as the motorbike was parked, the children would immediately choose which book they wanted to read that afternoon. The presence of the Book Motorcycle is a blessing awaited by the children in WVI's assisted areas in Biak Regency.
"The Motor Pustaka that we received is very helpful for us so that the children in our village have facilities to access reading books that will help improve their literacy skills. There are quite a number of children in the village who cannot read, even when they are already in junior high school. Limited teachers and limited access are one of the causes of this literacy problem," said Sostenes, the village head.
The Motor Pustaka, which is located in five villages in Biak Regency, was successfully realized thanks to the support of every donor and sponsor involved in the Baca Tanpa Batas campaign. Children's reading books are also support from volunteer students of Bina Nusantara (BINUS) University. This collaboration has succeeded in realizing one of the hopes of children in Biak to be more skilled in reading.
"My friends and I are happy to receive the Motor Pustaka because now we can read the books in here near our home. So far there has been no library or books for us to read in our village, we only play after school. Thank you for the Motor Pustaka that we received, now my friends and I can read books and gain knowledge," said Almendo, a child who is also active in the Rumah Baca (reading house) in his village.
Motor Pustaka and Rumah Baca are two important elements in realizing a Kampung Literasi (literacy village). In addition to schools, children's literacy skills in Papua can be further improved if the surrounding environment also brings every child closer to literacy. At home, parents can be teachers who introduce children to letters or words. In Rumah Baca, children can do fun activities while getting to know literacy through songs and games. And Motor Pustaka becomes a vehicle to bring children closer to reading books. Through reading books, children will become more trained in comprehensive reading. The creativity and imagination of the children will also be sparked.
"We are grateful for the book motorcycle and book facilities that have been given to the people in our village. Through our partnership with WVI, we can work together to help our children read with understanding," said Rev. Gerson, a religious leader in the village.
Thank you to the sponsors, donors, and volunteers who have worked together to realize one of the hopes of children in Biak Regency, Papua. This collective effort is a good step that will be a milestone on the lives of the children. The children have been able to see the window of the world more clearly and feel that their hopes do come true.
Author: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
