Increase the Literacy of Children on Sjahrir Island by supporting the opening of the Sjahrir Island Reading House.

Sjahrir Island is a hamlet within Selamon Village/Negeri, Banda District, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku Province. Sjahrir Island is separate from the main village/Negeri, Selamon. The topography of this island, named after the national figure, Bung Sjahrir, is generally hilly and mostly covered with coral reefs. Access to Sjahrir Island from Naira, the town of Banda District, can only be reached by sea via speedboat, with a travel time of approximately 15 minutes.

The current population of Sjahrir Island is 130, with 30 families and 30 low-income families. There are four pregnant women, four infants, 15 toddlers, 18 elementary school-aged children, and three junior high school-aged children. The local community’s livelihoods include farming and fishing. The social well-being of the Sjahrir Island community is commendable. Despite the lack of higher education, the community maintains a sense of togetherness and independence. For example, Sjahrir Island currently has no electricity from the state electricity company (PLN), yet at night, residents’ homes remain lit.

The local community utilizes diesel engines, which were donated by the Central Government Program since 1998, for their electricity needs. The community’s togetherness and independence in managing these assets has allowed them to enjoy sufficient electricity to date.

The state of education and health on Sjahrir Island is very concerning. This is evident in the lack of access to optimal services for the local community, both in education and health. In terms of education, there are several elementary school-aged children who have not yet attended school, and some junior high school-aged children who are still attending elementary school due to delayed entry.

To attend school, the children of Sjahrir Island must cross the ocean daily by speedboat to the school located in the village/home town. When the sea is rough, these children are forced to miss school.

Learning support books for the children of Sjahrir Island are also very limited. They only learn during school hours. Similar to their educational needs, local residents must also cross the ocean to access healthcare. Pregnant women, babies, and toddlers seeking routine health checks at the integrated health post (Posyandu) must navigate the sea. Meanwhile, several children suffer from malnutrition and stunting.

The children of Sjahrir Island Hamlet hope that one day they can be like Bung Sjahrir, whose name will live on forever on their island.

Today, September 8, 2015, coinciding with International Literacy Day (HLI), Heka Leka is inviting all parties to directly participate in supporting the opening of a reading house on Sjahrir Island to improve children’s literacy. Support can be provided through book donations or financial contributions to build the reading house facilities. In addition to books and financial support, opportunities are also open for individuals to visit Sjahrir Island to provide inspirational classes to children or implement other social programs.

Books to be donated can be delivered directly to the Heka Leka Education Center or by contacting:
Mr. Stanley – +62 812 1624 540 (Ambon)
Mr. Priscillia – +62 852 4329 7009 (Surabaya)
Mr. Gresye – +62 878 8937 4262 (Jakarta)

Thank you.

Best regards, Smart Maluku.