SEEDS partner charity Saya Suka Membaca (‘I Love Reading’) works to improve opportunities for children across Indonesia to learn to read. In partnership with other organisations the charity provides curriculum, books and other materials and teacher training to teachers at pre-school and early primary levels.
One current focus of the work has been a partnership equipping teachers from fourteen government-run primary schools in North Lombok, in an area that was badly affected by the major earthquake in August of 2018. Early test results show improvement, and the team is encouraged by stories from teachers and parents about how children are making progress and enjoying learning to read.
One such child is Bima, a child in his second year at school who has learning difficulties. His teacher reports:
“In the past, Bima has been disruptive in class and learned little. Now he enjoys the reading program. He finds the lessons interesting because they include songs, actions and other activities. He also loves listening to the stories and looking at the attractive pictures.”
Bima’s teaching has seen a big change in his attitude to reading: he now listens well and is more involved in class. Early tests show that he is now able to identify the letters that he has learnt, whereas in the past he couldn’t.
Reading is the foundation of a good education, and SEEDS and Saya Suka Membaca believe that everyone should have a chance to learn. We’re delighted to be able to make a difference to Bima and his teachers, and will continue to work hard to serve more children and teachers from across Indonesia.