Jabartoday.com-Ciamis. On the 12th of January, 2024, the Gada Membaca community, a beacon of literacy and knowledge in Indonesia, had the honor of hosting an influential dialogue session with some of the most prominent figures in the field of library science and literacy from the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia. The event was graced by the presence of Prof. E. Aminudin Aziz, M.A., Ph.D., the Acting Head of the National Library, Dr. Adin Bondar, M.Si, the Deputy for Library Resource Development, and Dra. Nani Suryani, M.Si., the Head of the Center for Development of Public and Special Libraries.
This significant meeting was not just a ceremonial visit; it was a vibrant confluence of ideas and insights, where stakeholders from various sectors came together. Attendees included the Head of the Library and Archives Service of Ciamis Regency, chairs of various TBM (Taman Bacaan Masyarakat or Community Reading Park) forums, university library representatives, local government officials, community literacy figures, and the dedicated volunteers of Gada Membaca.
A Forum for Exchange and Growth
The dialogue session served as a dynamic forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences. Prof. E. Aminudin Aziz and his team actively engaged with the attendees, focusing on receiving constructive feedback and inputs from diverse stakeholders. This interaction was crucial as it provided a ground-level perspective on the challenges and successes in the realm of community literacy efforts.
From village heads to literacy activists, each participant brought their unique viewpoints and experiences, contributing to a holistic understanding of the literacy landscape in the community. Discussions covered a range of topics, from the implementation of literacy programs to the challenges faced in fostering a reading culture in various demographics.
Gada Membaca: A Model of Success
Agus Munawar, reflecting on the event, underscored the importance of Gada Membaca in the broader context of Indonesia’s literacy movement. The community has become a model of success, demonstrating how grassroot initiatives can significantly impact literacy development. The visit by the National Library dignitaries not only highlighted Gada Membaca’s achievements but also set a benchmark for other communities aspiring to foster similar literacy movements.
Looking to the Future
The dialogue was more than a meeting; it was a catalyst for future endeavors in the realm of literacy. It raised hopes for the emergence of more communities like Gada Membaca, underlining the importance of collective effort and collaboration in driving the literacy movement forward in Indonesia. The discussions and exchanges of this meeting are anticipated to spur further innovation and commitment towards building a more literate and knowledgeable society.
In conclusion, the visit and dialogue with the National Library representatives at Gada Membaca marked a milestone in the community’s journey. It was a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of grassroots movements, and the potential for community-driven initiatives to make significant contributions to national educational goals. (ruz)
