International Animal Rescue’s Conservation Programme Leads the Way in Improving Literacy and Environmental Awareness in Indonesia
On Wednesday 6 March, 2024, as schools around the world celebrate World Book Day, International Animal Rescue (IAR) is taking a unique approach to promoting conservation through literacy in Indonesia.
Despite the global emphasis on education, challenges such as child illiteracy continue to persist, especially among marginalized communities. In response, IAR has made it their mission to ensure equitable access to education for all children, regardless of their background.
Their literacy program is a crucial part of their holistic conservation strategy, known as IARconserves. Spearheaded by Lia Aulia and her dedicated team, the program has successfully bridged the gap between education and environmental preservation in the forest-edge communities of Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (BBBR NP).
Lia Aulia, an AL-Haudl Ketapang Islamic College graduate and passionate educator, shares her experiences working with the program, highlighting the dire need for education in remote villages surrounded by dwindling forests.
“Our mission goes beyond traditional literacy efforts, aiming to address the social and economic challenges faced by these communities,” explains Lia. “With approximately 80% of households living in poverty and limited access to education, healthcare, and transportation, many residents resorted to illegal logging as a means of survival. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, IARconserves has implemented various initiatives, such as scholarships, educational support, and training in alternative livelihoods.”
The impact of these efforts has been profound, with a significant reduction in illegal activities within the National Park and a newfound sense of empowerment among the local population.
Despite challenges such as the lack of school buildings and teachers, Lia and her team have been able to bring the joy of reading and environmental education to children who would otherwise have limited access to such resources.
“Every time I come with the team bringing reading and picture books, these children are thirsty for stories,” says Lia. “They ask us to read the stories from the books, and they love to draw. They are also excited whenever we teach them about environmental knowledge by exploring the forest.”
By promoting literacy and environmental awareness, these programs not only empower individuals but also contribute to the preservation of vital ecosystems. Increasing reading habits in Indonesia has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of education and learning outcomes.
As we celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 7th March 2024, let us remember the transformative power of literacy and its crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for generations to come. To learn more about IAR’s programs for children and young people, visit https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/our-work/people.
This article was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
