On November 11-12, 2024, the ProVisi team, Room to Read, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) visited the libraries in the partner schools in Aceh Besar. This was part of the Ministry’s Learning Recovery initiative, where ProVisi and Room to Read implement the National Child-Friendly Library Program to optimize the management and use of quality reading books and support the development of children’s reading habits.
Nina Hartinjung, M.Ak., a representative from the Directorate of Primary Schools under the Ministry, stated that, overall, partner schools in Aceh Besar have implemented the National Child-Friendly Library Program according to the provided guidelines, with support from the appointed support personnel.
The visit was conducted at SDN Piyeung, SDN Lam Geue, SDN Neuheun, and SDN Lamreh. These four schools, along with over 30 schools participating in the first cohort of the National Child-Friendly Library Program, have received support and online workshops since early 2024. Now, the libraries are well set-up, children can read in the libraries, and books can be checked out for reading at home with their families.
Sanusi, S.E., Head of Primary Education at the Aceh Besar Education Office, shared that in this initial stage, five schools are serving as pilot projects and will be disseminated to other schools, especially those that are entitled to receive books from the Ministry.
During the visit, representatives from ProVisi and Room to Read expressed their gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the opening of these Child-Friendly Libraries. This would not have been possible without the support from the government, schools, and the community, all sharing a common vision to foster children’s reading habits and improve their literacy skills.
The findings and results from the observations in Aceh Besar Regency will serve as valuable lessons for other regions implementing similar programs. Currently, the National Child-Friendly Library Program has entered its second cohort and will continue into 2025 to reach even more schools, making it easier for children to access quality reading materials and engage in enjoyable reading activities.
