Inspiring Kids to Read

Khaeruddin is his name. And hes now well-known in the neighborhoods of Depok, in West Java, outside of Jakarta.

He started off as a librarian, coordinating activities at a local library. It was there that he got the inspiration to encourage children to read more books.

[Khaeruddin, Pedicab Library]:
"Read books for free, read books for free."




Now, every Sunday Khaeruddin rides his local neighborhood on a bicycle stocked with books. Ringing his bell, he invites children to take books to read.

His visits are now eagerly awaited by children and adults alike.

[Yoga Permana, Student]:
"I like it, yes, because it is fun when we are together."

And Khaeruddin's pedicab library doesnt just stock storybooks, he also stocks books that are about things they're learning in school.

[Shella Ramadanti, Student]:
"Yes, I like story books, like Cinderella, and also schoolbooks. It makes us clever.

Khaeruddin says interest in reading in the area was falling and the pedicab was a great solution.

[Khaeruddin, Pedicab Library]:
"So we decide to use a pedicab for our moving library to call people and younger generations surrounding the neighborhood to read."

As a volunteer, Khaerudin does not get paid for what he calls a labor of love.




But the smiles on the children's faces are payment enough for him. He hopes that by getting these kids to read, they will continue the cycle of inspiring others to open a book, too.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• NTD
• News
• Depok
• West Java
• Jakarta
• Khaeruddin
• Pedicab Library