May the Rumah Baca Continue to Exist

"I am happy at Rumah Baca, I can sing and learn," said Habel after participating in the activities at Rumah Baca that afternoon. Habel is currently nine years old and a third-grade student. He is a child who actively participates in Rumah Baca activities. He is never late and always comes early. While waiting, Habel usually reads the books in Rumah Baca. 

If Habel's friends find it difficult to understand the material, Rumah Baca tutors will usually ask Habel to help them understand the material. "Sometimes I help my friends and younger children, helping them with their assignments at Rumah Baca. I just help," said Habel.  

When he first joined the activities at Rumah Baca, Habel was able to recognise letters, but was not yet fluent in reading. Now, Habel can read fluently and is able to answer questions from the story read by the tutor. Habel has managed to have comprehensive reading literacy skills since diligently coming to Rumah Baca. "I can answer questions because if I hear a story, not playing, I can answer questions," he said enthusiastically. 

Apart from Rumah Baca, it turns out that Habel also diligently goes to school and studies at home. "My father also sometimes teach at home if I study at night. I come to school everyday," said Habel. Habel's daily life is full of literacy, both at school, home and in the community. Such a harmonised environment can continue to develop the literacy skills of children in Asmat, Papua. 

"I'm happy because Rumah Baca exist in my village, if possible please continue to exist...," hoped Habel. With Habel's enthusiasm for learning and the developing of literacy culture in Asmat, it can improve the comprehensive reading skills of children in the village. 

Author: Lamhot Simatupang (Education Officer in Asmat Area Program) 

Penyunting: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)