International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on 8 September. As the United Nations maintains, the day is an opportunity for Governments, civil society and stakeholders to highlight improvements in world literacy rates, and reflect on the world’s remaining literacy challenges.

In light of International Literacy Day, AIYA Jawa Barat held a literacy-themed Language Exchange (LX) on Sunday 15 September. Joining us were representatives from Duta Bahasa Jawa Barat, Duta Perpustakaan, Wanoja Jajaka Budaya Jabar, Putra Putri Bumi Siliwangi, Universitas Katolik Parahyangan and ACICIS.

In Indonesia, the literacy rate is 99.71% amongst those aged 15-24. However, in international literacy testing regimes such as the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Indonesian students typically place at the bottom of rankings. In contrast, Australian students tend to perform higher but still lag behind their counterparts in Scandinavia, Singapore and elsewhere.

Studies consistently show that reading improves literacy development. However, this requires adequate access to books – something, which is often lacking in Indonesia. So, AIYA JaBar has decided to do something about it!

Commencing at the LX, AIYA JaBar has been collecting donations of books (new or pre-loved) and money (for the purchase of books). On Saturday 19 October, these books will be donated to Tunas Bangsa Orphanage (Bandung) as part of a Social Cultural event hosted by AIYA JaBar. Tunas Bangsa hosts 36 children, ranging from foundation to senior high school students. AIYA JaBar hopes that the book donations will improve the children’s access to books and therefore promote literacy.

Keen to get involved?

For further information, please contact us on social media or email.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIYAJawaBarat/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiya_jawa_barat/

Email: [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your book donations!