Small School to establish a Child-Friendly Library.Can a small school with a limited number of students establish a child-friendly library? Absolutely!
On Friday, February 14, 2025, two public elementary schools in Kelating Village, Tabanan, inaugurated their Child-Friendly Libraries. The educators at SDN 1 Kelating and SDN 2 Kelating were highly motivated to improve literacy education for the children of Kelating Village. The opening of these libraries was the result of the hard work and dedication of the teachers at both schools, starting from October 2024.
“Since the launch of this child-friendly library program, we have a clear direction on how to utilize the library to develop reading habits,” said Astika Arimbawa, Principal of SDN 1 Kelating, in his opening remarks.
Led by Principal Astika Arimbawa and Resource Teacher Rizka Pebrianti, the teachers at SDN 1 Kelating worked together to prepare the library space, repaint the room, and make necessary adjustments to create a child-friendly environment.
The same efforts were also undertaken by the educators at SDN 2 Kelating. Under the leadership of Principal Desak Twelva, the school made improvements to provide the best educational literacy services. Together with Resource Teacher Nurul Islamiyati, Principal Desak organized books and arranged the library space to be more child-friendly.
But was the independent effort of SDN 1 and SDN 2 Kelating enough to establish a child-friendly library in less than a year? The answer is no. The generosity of local business owners in Kelating Village, who care deeply about education, played a significant role in supporting literacy development in the community.
Soori Bali chose YLAI as the implementing partner for the child-friendly library program in Kelating Village. Soori Bali provided substantial support to improve the quality of primary education in the village. With Soori Bali’s full support, the library’s presence is expected to enhance the quality of elementary education in Kelating.
“We are very grateful to Soori Bali. Without their contribution, it would have taken us much longer to acquire good books for the children and proper library facilities,” said Principal Desak.
The presence of the child-friendly library program was welcomed by the leaders of Kelating Traditional Village. Through discussions with Kelating village leaders, it was revealed that for many years parents from Kelating village chose to send their sons and daughters to school in the sub-district capital. With the establishment of child-friendly libraries in both schools in Kelating Village, it is hoped that it will increase public confidence in sending their children to school in Kelating Village.
The Child-Friendly Library program was warmly welcomed by the leaders of Kelating Traditional Village. Discussions with village leaders revealed that for many years, parents in Kelating Village preferred to send their children to schools in the district capital. With the establishment of these libraries at SDN 1 and SDN 2 Kelating, it is hoped that parents will have greater confidence in enrolling their children in local schools. The Child-Friendly Libraries at SDN 1 and SDN 2 Kelating are clear proof that quality education can be achieved through collaboration and the commitment of various stakeholders. With the support of teachers, the community, and partners like Soori Bali and YLAI, the children of Kelating Village now have better access to books and a comfortable reading space.
Hopefully, this initiative will continue and inspire other schools to create better learning environments for future generations. Education is an investment in the future, and every small step brings about significant change. (AL)