Generally, a mobile library consists of a car that is full of books and visit public places. However, the mobile library created by Tanoto Foundation’s scholarship recipients, or Tanoto Scholars, at Hasanuddin University is completely different. Tanoto Scholars use backpacks full of books to encourage children to read books. The same was carried out fir the children of Lakkang Village, Makassar.

(Read: List of Non Binding Scholarships)

This activity, which is named Reading Backpack, started in March 2015.  Tanoto Foundation’s scholarship recipients, who are members of Tanoto Scholars Association (TSA) of Hasanuddin University, not only ask the children to read but also guide them to study. The children are involved in different activities such as completing their homework, drawing and coloring. The Scholars also motivate the children to be actively asking and answering questions.

(Read: List of Binding Scholarships)

So far, the children are happy to take part in the activities. “We can see that the children enjoy the activities tremendously. More children have now joined the program. Their excitement is obvious. They start calling our names the moment we arrive at Lakkang Village,” said one of Tanoto Scholars, La Ode Muhammad Ilham Gafur.

To avoid children’s boredom, the Reading Backpack activity is often conducted outside the classrooms.  While using school’s areas that are nicely covered by trees leaves, Tanoto Scholars instill the value that learning can be done anywhere. The children also learn about  the importance of maintaining the environment so it stays clean and comfortable for learning.

The Reading Backpack activity also benefits Tanoto Scholars.  Having to face children with different characters necessitates the Scholars to be patience and practice leadership.  Meanwhile, for the children, Reading Backpack improves their interest in reading, triggers their love for books and also increases their level of creativity and confidence.

Written by Siti Faridah, Tanoto Scholar from Institut Pertanian Bogor

For our young brothers and sisters of Kampung Kahuripan, Sukadamai Village, Bogor, books are not something they can easily have. The limited availability of books in their school’s library also makes it more difficult for these children to read, let alone to develop love of books. Because of that, we, the recipients of Tanoto Foundation scholarships or Tanoto Scholars from Institut Pertanian Bogor, felt that we could help these children by establishing a community library.

The library was established after we completed several steps. First, we collected the books, carried out inventory of our collection, were trained in library management technique by Tanoto Foundation, and made sure the facility, although small, was adequate and comfortable enough for our young friends to spend their time in. Because the library is located at one of the villagers’ house terrace, all of us agreed to call it Kahuripan Reading Terrace.

In December 2015, the Reading Terrace was inaugurated. We made sure the area was clean and decorated nicely. Our young friends were happy to help with the preparation as well. During the library launching, we informed the children and community members about the rules of visiting the library. We also reminded them that this library belonged to all so everybody had to help with caring for the books. The inauguration ceremony went well. Community members and the children were happy with this new library.

Encouraging the young children to read and love books is one of our activities at Kampung Kahuripan. Every Saturday, we visit to place and study together with these children. This is how we give back to our community.

Written by Theresia Dwi Wahyuni and Rini Agustini, Tanoto Scholars from Institut Pertanian Bogor

The name is unique, Reading Patio. This name came up because we planned to place a reading corner for children of Kahuripan Village, Bogor, on the patio of one of the Village residents’ houses.  Later on, at this Reading Patio, children can read, study together, and listen to us reading stories.

We are Tanoto Scholars or recipients of Tanoto Foundation’s scholarships from Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB). The establishment of this Reading Patio is part of our activities called Bina Desa or “nurturing a village” in Kahuripan Village.

(Read: Non Binding Scholarship List)

We designed Reading Patio as an activity that lasts for a long time. As such, it requires a well organized library system. To achieve this objective, books identification and inventory process is a must.

(Read: Binding Scholarship List)

At the beginning, we did not understand how to identify books and carry out a good inventory system. However, we were supported by Tanoto Foundation in this endeavor. The Foundation shared the knowledge and skills in implementing its library management system in schools with us. For example, we used Tanoto Foundation stickers to identify books that belong to Reading Patio Program. We also inserted a lending slip inside each book as a way for identifying where the books are located.

We also collected books from other Scholars. Because we got so many books, we decided to divide the tasks among the Tanoto Scholars. Some of us were responsible to prepare books’ labels while others were tasked to input data on the books’ identifications.  There were also others who identified the books based on types, such as fiction, non-fiction, and creative non-fiction.  We also categorized the books based on contents, such as illustrated children stories, science, English books, children novels, novels, magazines, and children activity books.

We hope the Reading Patio could start soon so we could open the window of knowledge for the children of Kahuripan Village. We simply can not wait to share the knowledge and to see how excited the children are in welcoming our activities.

Bina Desa is an activity of IPB Tanoto Scholars Association that started in 2011.  As Tanoto Scholars, we are inspired by the awareness and passion of Tanoto Foundation’s founders, Sukanto Tanoto and  Tinah Bingei Tanoto as they have undertaken various philanthropic activities to support the improvement of community members in different parts of Indonesia.

To learn more about The Reading Patio. Please click here.