This year,  YUM’s Early Childhood Learning Centre and Tutoring & Remedial Class participated in the International Read To Me! Day. The event was conducted in two places; in YUM’s library and in the students’ homes.

In the library, 22 children were excited by the books read to them by Miss Desi and Miss Heti (YUM’s preschool teachers). In complying with the COVID-19 prevention protocol, the children were divided into two groups, each led by one teacher. The books read to the preschool students were “Gagak Haus” (“The thirsty crow) and “Aku Sayang Teman”  (I love my friend”). Meanwhile, for the primary school students, they read books titled “Si Toba” and “Aku Suka Menolong Ibu” (“I love helping my mother”). The latter students are part of the tutoring program, helping children who are still struggling in reading. We hope by experiencing the International Read To Me! Day, they will be more encouraged and motivated to read. 

Some of the books were also read at home. The previous day, several children came to borrow books from the library to bring home. The parents were informed about the International Read To Me! Day and were asked to participate. The books were then read to the children by their parents or siblings at home.

My book was read by my sister. Her name is Ires, she is a 5th-grade student. The title of the book is “Saya Bisa” (“I Can”). The book is full of beautiful pictures. I can’t wait to open the next page. I asked my sister to read the book many times because I like it very much.

Sultan, YUM Preschool student.

At the beginning, it was a bit difficult for me to read this book. I only graduated from primary school. My daughter has so many questions after reading. I am glad that I can answer them. Then, my daughter asked me to read the book again, and afterward, I asked her some questions from the book. Both of us were excited to experience this. Tomorrow, we will borrow more children’s books at YUM’s Library.

Mrs. Erna, Alifa’s mother, YUM Preschool student.

There are many students in rural Indonesia who are still struggling in reading and who lack quality reading resources. We hope by experiencing the International Read To Me! Day, they will be more encouraged and motivated to read.