To celebrate National Book Day and the 46th anniversary of the National Library, Harita Nickel is strengthening the management of digital-based school libraries on Obi Island as part of efforts to improve access to literacy and the quality of education.
The program was implemented at Loji Permai Junior High School and Tunas Muda Senior High School in Kawasi Village, South Halmahera. On this occasion, the company donated 1,700 textbooks and general knowledge books, as well as science laboratory equipment and sports equipment to support the learning progress for the students. Harita Nickel's Community Social Responsibility Supervisor, Ragil Pardiantoro, said that strengthening the spirit for literacy and access to education is an important part of supporting the development of the younger generation on Obi Island.
"By strengthening this digital-based library, we hope students will have better access to learning and be motivated to continue developing and achieving their dreams," he said.
In his additional statement, he said that the company also wants to encourage the emergence of a younger generation of Obi who are able to compete and achieve at a wider level.
"We challenge all of you to be ready to become champions and achievers in the future, including in competitions like the Science Olympiad. A passion for learning and reading must be starting from now," he said.
To support the optimalization of book collections, Harita Nickel is also strengthening school library management through the implementation of the Simple Perpus application. This system helps schools to record collections and manage book loans, making them more organized and easier to manage. As part of the program's implementation, Harita Nickel's IT team also provided training to 10 teachers as a library staff on how to use the application.
The principal of Tunas Muda High School, Obet Siar, expressed his appreciation for the company's support in developing educational facilities at the school.
"In the past, access to books wasn't as easy as it is now. With more comprehensive facilities at the school, we hope students will be more motivated to learn and excel," he said.
One of the students, Syifa Nur Jannah, also expressed her enthusiasm for the assistance provided.
"Now we have a wider selection of books to study with, so we're more enthusiastic for coming to the library," she said.
In addition to providing books and strengthening library management, Harita Nickel also supports improving the quality and access to education for children on Obi Island through educational facilities and infrastructure, incentives for assistant teachers, and a scholarship program for students from Obi Island.
By strengthening literacy and access to education, Harita Nickel hopes that more young people on Obi Island will have the opportunity to develop and achieve a better future.