Nature and Literacy
Sahabat MKAA
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It was a bright morning, in stark contrast to the mood of the young man who was daydreaming by the lake. His forehead was furrowed for so long that his thick eyebrows almost seemed to merge together. He leaned his tall body against the railing, his hands supporting his chin as he wore a look of complete confusion.
"Alam? Have you
found the answer?"
The question came from Ardi, a man with a sturdy build and brown skin. He was getting tired of seeing his friend sitting there silently.
"How about we try the health center? Wouldn't it be better if the community, especially expectant mothers, were educated first about the importance of reading for their children's growth and development?" Although hesitant, it seemed to be the best answer Alam could give. Of
course, he said this for a reason. As someone who had plans to increase interest in reading, he and his friends had to read diligently and look for references that he could put into practice in the field. Alam got the idea from an article he had read that morning on an app. He agreed with Dr. Ryu Hasan's opinion that to increase interest in reading, it was not enough to just give advice or motivation about the importance of reading, but it had to be made a habit. And that habit must start early.
"Even though the free book stalls we set up every week in parks and town squares have received a pretty good response, I'm not sure if the kids will do the same thing after they go home. Maybe they are interested on that day, but there is no guarantee that they will actually continue the habit afterwards. It could just be a momentary euphoria,
" Alam continued to explain his thoughts. "Okay, I agree with your idea this time. Tomorrow, we will discuss it directly with the others," Ardi agreed.
Alam and Ardi are members of an organization that addresses literacy issues in their city. In addition to holding regular meetings to learn about literacy, they also have the task of increasing interest in reading in the city. Although it may not have a big impact, they believe that every small step they take will not be in vain.
As people involved in the world of literacy, they know very well how complex the issue of reading interest is in this country. The problem is not simply a lack of supply or access to books and libraries, but is also related to economic issues, especially for people who have limited access to anything. Let alone reading books, they have to work hard just to eat, to the point that they forget the time. In this situation, no matter how many books are provided, it will not make them instantly realize the importance of reading. Because before starting a habit, the first thing we must instill is awareness. This
awareness must be formed. One way is by educating them that by reading, they will gain a lot of knowledge, and through that knowledge, they will be able to change their fate and future. It cannot be denied that the saying "reading is the bridge to knowledge" is true. By reading, we are able to get to know the world better, broaden our horizons, and gain new knowledge, which in turn sparks our interest and motivation in something. However, cultivating this awareness is certainly not an easy task. We need help and cooperation from various parties to make it happen. In this regard, the role of parents is very important because they are the first people to shape their children's character and determine their future direction. ***
The next day, Alam and Ardi came to the LPI (Literasi Pemuda Indonesia) building to gather and discuss with other members. The discussion was opened by Nisa, an intelligent and beautiful woman who is the coordinator of the organization. As an organization under the auspices of the local government, LPI has quite a large number of members from various backgrounds, regardless of age.
The discussion was interactive as usual, with each member being very open and respecting each other's opinions in a positive and enthusiastic manner. Alam, who already had various ideas in his head, couldn't wait to speak up and express his opinion.
"Regarding our program to increase interest in reading, I have a new idea, which is to try to expand our target audience from children and teenagers to prospective parents who will soon have children," Alam explained confidently about his idea.
"In my opinion, an interest in reading must be cultivated as early as possible, even from when the baby is in the womb. This can be done by encouraging prospective parents, especially mothers, to get into the habit of reading and telling stories to their children. That way, the likelihood of a child becoming interested and considering reading to be a part of their needs will be greater. It can also make children feel that reading is not something foreign because it has become part of their routine."
"That's a very interesting idea, Alam. So what efforts can we make to realize this?" asked Nisa in response to Alam's opinion.
"We can start by visiting health centers to educate the community, especially prospective parents, about the importance of reading. We can lend them books that they like, then provide assistance in the form of books to be lent to mothers who already have children, where the types of books lent must be adjusted to the age of the child. For babies aged 0-3 months, we can lend high-contrast books that feature high-contrast images and graphics, which aim to stimulate the baby's senses. Meanwhile, for babies aged 4-6 months, we can lend tactile books or books with textures. Then, for babies aged 6-12 months, we provide interesting board books. Finally, for babies over 1 year old, we start giving them classic books that parents can read to them regularly every day. Next, parents can start reading bedtime stories or other books that are considered capable of creating a bond between parents and children and having an impact on children's interest in books.
Nisa, Ardi, and the other members were quite satisfied with the explanation and plan that Alam had carefully prepared. After considering various factors, it turned out that most members agreed with the idea. Without wanting to waste any more time, all members began to busy themselves with their respective tasks to implement the program. With euphoria and burning enthusiasm, everything seemed fine at first. Until the day came when Nisa confirmed that the local government did not agree with the idea because it was considered to incur costs that exceeded the budget.
Alam was stunned to hear this. His thoughts, which had been imagining the possibilities if the program went well, suddenly vanished, and his dreams of the children growing up to be a generation of avid readers slowly faded away, carried away by his disappointment. Alam felt hopeless because if the problem was related to cost, he realized that there was not much he could do to help.
***
Alam was staring at the ceiling of his room when his cell phone rang, signaling an incoming call. Ardi's name was displayed on the screen.
"Hello? Alam? Have you seen the announcement in the group that yesterday's program was not approved by the center?" Ardi asked without further ado.
"Yes, just now. And to be honest, now I'm confused about what to do." Ardi immediately understood Alam's concern. How could he not? They had been friends for a long time, so they understood each other's characters to some extent. Alam, who was too much of a thinker, often got caught up in his own thoughts. Fortunately, Ardi was always there to remind him and make him realize that things were often not as bad as he thought.
"Look, Al, I understand that you feel hopeless right now. But don't give up yet, okay? How about we try to add the missing funds ourselves and then ask for further consideration from the center? My parents happen to have a shop, so we can store the books there to be read for free, but still keep a donation box. It would be great if a lot of people donated," replied Ardi soothingly.
"But what if not many people donate and we still don't have enough money, Di?"
"Don't worry too much, just give it a try. Our intentions are good, and if it's meant to be, God will help us. Just do your best, pray, and think positively that God will help us and give us the best. Even if it doesn't go according to our plan, it means that God has a much better plan for us when the time comes."
As usual, Ardi was always full of positive energy and optimism. Sometimes Alam felt embarrassed because he couldn't control his thoughts as well as Ardi. But slowly, Alam began to change his mindset. After receiving this advice, Alam followed Ardi's suggestion. He made a donation box with words that were as attractive as possible to encourage people to participate in the program. In addition to keeping it at his parents' shop, he also kept the box at the free book stall.
After trying his best, Alam began to reconnect and build a better relationship with the Creator. He realized that it was God who gave him sustenance, so it was only to Him that he could ask. Slowly, he became a person who was more diligent in performing his prayers and sunnah practices. And since then, various kinds of help began to arrive. Seeing Alam's enthusiasm and efforts, his friends also helped to open donations. Some joined in directly in the field, while others spread the word through various social media.
But the climax was when someone suddenly approached Alam and said that he was willing to become a donor. The middle-aged man said that he was the father of a child who often visited the free reading stall that Alam provided. He was happy because his child, who used to play with his cell phone all the time, was slowly changing into a person who liked to read books. Hearing this, Alam was also very happy! He did not expect it, but he was also very grateful because it turned out that God made everything easy for him.
Without thinking twice, he immediately went to see Ardi and told him the news enthusiastically. "We did it, Di. We can finally propose the program again because we have collected enough funds.
" Alam couldn't stop smiling. "Then let's tell Nisa so we can start the program right away," replied Ardi, who was just as excited.
*** That
same day, they went to LPI to inform Nisa and the other members about the developments. They agreed to resubmit the program with the funds that had been prepared for consideration. After waiting for news for several days, they were finally informed that the government had agreed, but as initially agreed, they would only provide funds in accordance with the budget provided. Alam and the other members certainly did not mind this, because for them, the most important thing now was to get permission to start the program immediately. *** It
has now been more than two years since the program was first implemented. Alam smiled softly as he looked at his surroundings, which had gradually changed. When he first came to this health center, what caught his attention was that everyone was busy with their cell phones. But now everything is different. Many parents wait while reading books or even introducing books to their children. This kind of scene would probably only be in his mind if he had chosen to give up two years ago. Fortunately, he met Ardi, Nisa, and many other good people. Without them and God's direct help, her little dream would never have come true. Alam is very grateful for everything she has today. Since that incident, she has promised to always be an optimistic person and to always think positively when facing something. Because what we think and believe will become reality.
Author: Elsa Agustiani
found the answer?"
The question came from Ardi, a man with a sturdy build and brown skin. He was getting tired of seeing his friend sitting there silently.
"How about we try the health center? Wouldn't it be better if the community, especially expectant mothers, were educated first about the importance of reading for their children's growth and development?" Although hesitant, it seemed to be the best answer Alam could give. Of
course, he said this for a reason. As someone who had plans to increase interest in reading, he and his friends had to read diligently and look for references that he could put into practice in the field. Alam got the idea from an article he had read that morning on an app. He agreed with Dr. Ryu Hasan's opinion that to increase interest in reading, it was not enough to just give advice or motivation about the importance of reading, but it had to be made a habit. And that habit must start early.
"Even though the free book stalls we set up every week in parks and town squares have received a pretty good response, I'm not sure if the kids will do the same thing after they go home. Maybe they are interested on that day, but there is no guarantee that they will actually continue the habit afterwards. It could just be a momentary euphoria,
" Alam continued to explain his thoughts. "Okay, I agree with your idea this time. Tomorrow, we will discuss it directly with the others," Ardi agreed.
Alam and Ardi are members of an organization that addresses literacy issues in their city. In addition to holding regular meetings to learn about literacy, they also have the task of increasing interest in reading in the city. Although it may not have a big impact, they believe that every small step they take will not be in vain.
As people involved in the world of literacy, they know very well how complex the issue of reading interest is in this country. The problem is not simply a lack of supply or access to books and libraries, but is also related to economic issues, especially for people who have limited access to anything. Let alone reading books, they have to work hard just to eat, to the point that they forget the time. In this situation, no matter how many books are provided, it will not make them instantly realize the importance of reading. Because before starting a habit, the first thing we must instill is awareness. This
awareness must be formed. One way is by educating them that by reading, they will gain a lot of knowledge, and through that knowledge, they will be able to change their fate and future. It cannot be denied that the saying "reading is the bridge to knowledge" is true. By reading, we are able to get to know the world better, broaden our horizons, and gain new knowledge, which in turn sparks our interest and motivation in something. However, cultivating this awareness is certainly not an easy task. We need help and cooperation from various parties to make it happen. In this regard, the role of parents is very important because they are the first people to shape their children's character and determine their future direction. ***
The next day, Alam and Ardi came to the LPI (Literasi Pemuda Indonesia) building to gather and discuss with other members. The discussion was opened by Nisa, an intelligent and beautiful woman who is the coordinator of the organization. As an organization under the auspices of the local government, LPI has quite a large number of members from various backgrounds, regardless of age.
The discussion was interactive as usual, with each member being very open and respecting each other's opinions in a positive and enthusiastic manner. Alam, who already had various ideas in his head, couldn't wait to speak up and express his opinion.
"Regarding our program to increase interest in reading, I have a new idea, which is to try to expand our target audience from children and teenagers to prospective parents who will soon have children," Alam explained confidently about his idea.
"In my opinion, an interest in reading must be cultivated as early as possible, even from when the baby is in the womb. This can be done by encouraging prospective parents, especially mothers, to get into the habit of reading and telling stories to their children. That way, the likelihood of a child becoming interested and considering reading to be a part of their needs will be greater. It can also make children feel that reading is not something foreign because it has become part of their routine."
"That's a very interesting idea, Alam. So what efforts can we make to realize this?" asked Nisa in response to Alam's opinion.
"We can start by visiting health centers to educate the community, especially prospective parents, about the importance of reading. We can lend them books that they like, then provide assistance in the form of books to be lent to mothers who already have children, where the types of books lent must be adjusted to the age of the child. For babies aged 0-3 months, we can lend high-contrast books that feature high-contrast images and graphics, which aim to stimulate the baby's senses. Meanwhile, for babies aged 4-6 months, we can lend tactile books or books with textures. Then, for babies aged 6-12 months, we provide interesting board books. Finally, for babies over 1 year old, we start giving them classic books that parents can read to them regularly every day. Next, parents can start reading bedtime stories or other books that are considered capable of creating a bond between parents and children and having an impact on children's interest in books.
Nisa, Ardi, and the other members were quite satisfied with the explanation and plan that Alam had carefully prepared. After considering various factors, it turned out that most members agreed with the idea. Without wanting to waste any more time, all members began to busy themselves with their respective tasks to implement the program. With euphoria and burning enthusiasm, everything seemed fine at first. Until the day came when Nisa confirmed that the local government did not agree with the idea because it was considered to incur costs that exceeded the budget.
Alam was stunned to hear this. His thoughts, which had been imagining the possibilities if the program went well, suddenly vanished, and his dreams of the children growing up to be a generation of avid readers slowly faded away, carried away by his disappointment. Alam felt hopeless because if the problem was related to cost, he realized that there was not much he could do to help.
***
Alam was staring at the ceiling of his room when his cell phone rang, signaling an incoming call. Ardi's name was displayed on the screen.
"Hello? Alam? Have you seen the announcement in the group that yesterday's program was not approved by the center?" Ardi asked without further ado.
"Yes, just now. And to be honest, now I'm confused about what to do." Ardi immediately understood Alam's concern. How could he not? They had been friends for a long time, so they understood each other's characters to some extent. Alam, who was too much of a thinker, often got caught up in his own thoughts. Fortunately, Ardi was always there to remind him and make him realize that things were often not as bad as he thought.
"Look, Al, I understand that you feel hopeless right now. But don't give up yet, okay? How about we try to add the missing funds ourselves and then ask for further consideration from the center? My parents happen to have a shop, so we can store the books there to be read for free, but still keep a donation box. It would be great if a lot of people donated," replied Ardi soothingly.
"But what if not many people donate and we still don't have enough money, Di?"
"Don't worry too much, just give it a try. Our intentions are good, and if it's meant to be, God will help us. Just do your best, pray, and think positively that God will help us and give us the best. Even if it doesn't go according to our plan, it means that God has a much better plan for us when the time comes."
As usual, Ardi was always full of positive energy and optimism. Sometimes Alam felt embarrassed because he couldn't control his thoughts as well as Ardi. But slowly, Alam began to change his mindset. After receiving this advice, Alam followed Ardi's suggestion. He made a donation box with words that were as attractive as possible to encourage people to participate in the program. In addition to keeping it at his parents' shop, he also kept the box at the free book stall.
After trying his best, Alam began to reconnect and build a better relationship with the Creator. He realized that it was God who gave him sustenance, so it was only to Him that he could ask. Slowly, he became a person who was more diligent in performing his prayers and sunnah practices. And since then, various kinds of help began to arrive. Seeing Alam's enthusiasm and efforts, his friends also helped to open donations. Some joined in directly in the field, while others spread the word through various social media.
But the climax was when someone suddenly approached Alam and said that he was willing to become a donor. The middle-aged man said that he was the father of a child who often visited the free reading stall that Alam provided. He was happy because his child, who used to play with his cell phone all the time, was slowly changing into a person who liked to read books. Hearing this, Alam was also very happy! He did not expect it, but he was also very grateful because it turned out that God made everything easy for him.
Without thinking twice, he immediately went to see Ardi and told him the news enthusiastically. "We did it, Di. We can finally propose the program again because we have collected enough funds.
" Alam couldn't stop smiling. "Then let's tell Nisa so we can start the program right away," replied Ardi, who was just as excited.
*** That
same day, they went to LPI to inform Nisa and the other members about the developments. They agreed to resubmit the program with the funds that had been prepared for consideration. After waiting for news for several days, they were finally informed that the government had agreed, but as initially agreed, they would only provide funds in accordance with the budget provided. Alam and the other members certainly did not mind this, because for them, the most important thing now was to get permission to start the program immediately. *** It
has now been more than two years since the program was first implemented. Alam smiled softly as he looked at his surroundings, which had gradually changed. When he first came to this health center, what caught his attention was that everyone was busy with their cell phones. But now everything is different. Many parents wait while reading books or even introducing books to their children. This kind of scene would probably only be in his mind if he had chosen to give up two years ago. Fortunately, he met Ardi, Nisa, and many other good people. Without them and God's direct help, her little dream would never have come true. Alam is very grateful for everything she has today. Since that incident, she has promised to always be an optimistic person and to always think positively when facing something. Because what we think and believe will become reality.
Author: Elsa Agustiani
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