Literacy Culture Considered to Play a Role in Child Development

source image : mediacentre.temanggungkab.go.id

Children's World observer Gaudiamo believes that literacy culture plays a crucial role in children's development. This is not only related to reading and writing skills, but also to the ability to understand emotions and build empathy.

He believes that children's familiarity with the world of literacy begins at home. He also encourages writers to contribute to the creation of reading material for children.

Echoing this sentiment, Ariyo Zidni, one of the founders of the Ayo Dongeng Indonesia Community, also views literacy, especially that conveyed through stories, as playing a crucial role.

The veteran storyteller, familiarly known as Kak Aio, believes that stories are the best and easiest medium, especially for spreading ideas, values, information, and knowledge to children.

"Stories also make all the messages implied in them enjoyable," said Aio.
Reda and Aio acknowledged the challenges ahead.

source image : parentalk.id

They realize that bringing children closer to books is a shared responsibility. Several issues they believe require greater attention, including literacy for adolescents.

And efforts to reach children in hard-to-reach areas. Nevertheless, Reda and Aio still see hope.

They believe the rise of children's literacy has never waned. Reda even said that children's storybooks are no longer limited to moral messages about doing good or being diligent in worship.

"They're also starting to open up to discussing many other topics, such as mental health issues and local culture," he said.

According to Aio, modern developments have facilitated efforts to promote the urgency of children's literacy. "The more spaces for sharing that develop, the easier it is to access learning and exchange knowledge," he said.

"Everyone is synergizing, including the government, communities, and institutions that place a strong emphasis on children's stories."

source image : cikal.co.id

Patjarmerah, a small literacy festival and mobile book market across the archipelago, is part of a synergistic effort to create an inclusive and sustainable literacy ecosystem.

Through "Little Patjarmerah," Patjarmerah strives to be a meeting place for all parties who want to contribute to developing children's literacy.

This festival collaborates with volunteers, observers, communities, and children's book publishers. This allows them to connect and have fun together through various activities that will be held at Pos Bloc, Jakarta, from June 29 to July 7, 2024.

One of the founders of Little Patjarmerah, Windy Ariestanty, feels that developing children's literacy should also focus on teamwork, promoting reader regeneration, creator regeneration, and narrative regeneration.

"On July 7, 2024, as part of a series of events, this festival, dubbed the literacy circus, will hold a discussion across creative fields regarding the development of narratives in the world of children and adolescents in Indonesia," she said.

source image : cikal.co.id

Reading the Cardinal Directions: Story Regeneration in the World of Children, Teens, and Families will feature Herdiana Hakim, Ph.D. (expert and observer of children's stories), Reda Gaudiamo (writer and children's literacy activist), Anggia Kharisma (Visinema Kids & Family), Melia Emmy (Bintang Kecil), and Djokolelono (children's story writer).

Also present are Natasha Chairani (Save Lagu Anak and former child singer), and Najelaa Shihab (Educator & Founder of Sekolah Murid Merdeka).

This discussion aims to bring together actors from various creative fields who share a concern for developing children's literacy.

Reda and Aio agreed that this movement will be a major step forward for Indonesian literacy. Both hope that the small red patjarmerah will have an impact and familiarize children with literacy through books.

As well as literature, music, film, performing arts, and various other forms. "I think this festival will play an important role in promoting children's literacy," he said.

"Until now, people have been busy with adult festivals, with children's books as a bonus. But this time, children's literacy will be the main menu," said Reda.

_{Posted using SteemPro}