Empowering Indonesian Children Through Literacy

Help us reach our goal.
Every donation brings a child closer to a book

All donations are 100% tax-deductible
paid through the FJC: 501(c)3 - EIN: 13-3848582

About Us

Yayasan Literasi Anak Indonesia (YLAI) is a non-profit organization established in 2014 based in Bali, Indonesia. We aim to develop a culture of reading and a love of books for primary school-aged children across Indonesia. We work closely with local district education leaders, principals, and teachers across the Indonesian archipelago to develop literacy programs in schools with innovative teaching practices in the classroom.

About Us

Yayasan Literasi Anak Indonesia (YLAI) is a non-profit organization established in 2014 based in Bali, Indonesia. We aim to develop a culture of reading and a love of books for primary school-aged children across Indonesia. We work closely with local district education leaders, principals, and teachers across the Indonesian archipelago to develop literacy programs in schools with innovative teaching practices in the classroom.

Our Mission

To give all children in Indonesia the opportunity in schools and local communities to engage their imaginations with books and stories, and the skills required to achieve success in learning to read well.

Challenges

The challenges to children’s literacy in Indonesia include:

  • a very weak reading culture in Indonesia schools
  • inadequacy of trained teachers in teaching reading/writing skills and strategies
  • very limited early grade reading programs in public school classrooms
  • lack of access to interesting, child-friendly, and culturally relevant reading materials

Challenges

The challenges to children’s literacy in Indonesia include:

  • a very weak reading culture in Indonesia schools
  • inadequacy of trained teachers in teaching reading/writing skills and strategies
  • very limited early grade reading programs in public school classrooms
  • lack of access to interesting, child-friendly, and culturally relevant reading materials

Learning Crisis

In 2018 PISA report showed that 70% of 15 year-old students showed below minimum competency level in reading. 
Indonesia ranked 74th in reading literacy out of 79 assessed countries. In 2022 Indonesia ranked 69th in reading literacy out of 81 assessed countries.

The COVID 19 pandemic worsened Indonesia’s already poor literacy levels to an even more worrying state. The National Assessment 2021 result showed that Indonesia was experiencing a literacy emergency with 1 out of 2 Indonesian primary school students failing the minimum literacy competency.

Our Vision of Change

To support change in the methodology of literacy practices used to teach reading/writing in Indonesian public primary schools, and to provide engaging culturally relevant books for young children.

The Way Forward

Classroom Program

Our early grade reading programs in classrooms provide training to teachers in the teaching of reading through a Balanced Reading Program that includes interactive reading, phonics, shared modelled reading, guided reading using structured levelled texts, and independent reading.

Classroom Program

Our early grade reading programs in classrooms provide training to teachers in the teaching of reading through a Balanced Reading Program that includes interactive reading, phonics, shared modelled reading, guided reading using structured levelled texts, and independent reading.

Library Program

Our child-friendly library development program in schools provides training on managing reading corners and libraries to guide school principals, teachers, and librarians in how to help children develop a habit and love of reading.

Children's Book Program

YLAI continually develops a variety of children’s books that are culturally relevant and appropriate for the age and reading ability of children in the early grades.

Impact to Date

Working Across Indonesia

Our programs has been implemented in 121 districts of 14 provinces in Indonesia.

Impact Highlights

YLAI has a strong track record. The organization possesses empirical evidence showcasing the program’s impact on learning outcomes, its influence on increased motivation, knowledge enhancement, and teaching practices of both teachers and school principals. Our programs continue to focus on implementing evidence-based reading programs that foster a love for reading, ensure reading proficiency, and empower students to achieve their full potential.

Touching lives of

1,086,175+

primary school students

Empowering

109,230

educators through training

Empowering

15,458

educators through training

Elevating

39,741

early grade classes through reading program

Developing

202

child-friendly school libraries

Spreading knowledge of

7,023,660

children’s book & resources

How can you support us?

Investing in children’s education is one of the most effective ways to create an equitable world. Partner with us and make a significant contribution to the lives of Indonesian children through the establishment of an early grade literacy program or a child-friendly school library. We are committed to fully leveraging your gift to reach primary school students across Indonesia through our programs.

Help us reach our goal. Every contribution brings a child closer to a book. Choose how you’d like to make a difference today.

All donations are 100% tax-deductible
paid through the FJC: 501(c)3 – EIN: 13-3848582

Hear What Our Partners Have to Say

“I have witnessed YLAI’s journey since its establishment. They have come a long way since then and the foundation continues to evolve, thrive and develop. The quality of their Balanced Reading Program speaks volumes for their commitment to improve children’s literacy throughout Indonesia”

Feiny Sentosa, Deputy Director, Learning, INOVASI

“Room to Read has partnered with YLAI since 2014. We appreciate YLAI’s holistic approach to Literacy. Not only does YLAI support teachers to improve reading practices in the classroom, but they publish quality children’s books and work with schools to establish child-friendly school libraries to bring out the joy and love of reading. YLAI supports schools in creating a strong foundation for enhancing children’s reading skills and habit in Indonesia.”
 
Joel Bacha, Director of International Strategy, Room To Read

Our Working Partners

Empowering Indonesian Children Through Literacy

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