05 April 2025
A red-painted building stands prominently in the coastal village of Gambaru, South Obi District. Though modest in size, it distinguishes itself among the surrounding homes. A wooden sign in the front yard reads Rumah Belajar Simore. In the local language, Simore means “cheerful”–a name that reflects the engaging and enjoyable learning environment this initiative strives to foster.
Rumah Belajar Simore is Harita Nickel's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, officially launched in 2024 as part of its Community Empowerment Program (PPM) in the education sector. In collaboration with the Gambaru Village Government and local early childhood education institutions (PAUD), this program aims to provide accessible and informal educational support for children, students, and the surrounding community. The primary objective is to enhance literacy skills and foster a love for reading, particularly among children who have yet to develop reading fluency.
Every afternoon, Rumah Belajar Simore becomes a vibrant learning space, filled with the enthusiasm of children practicing their reading skills. Under the guidance of dedicated instructors, they engage in reading exercises designed to build confidence and fluency. Volunteer educator Masni Hanafi actively supports students who require additional assistance, ensuring they receive the encouragement needed to develop their reading abilities in a supportive and nurturing environment.
“At Rumah Belajar Simore, we provide literacy education for children who have yet to develop reading and writing skills. We also engage them through storytelling activities, encouraging them to retell the stories they have heard,” explained a dedicated instructor who also serves as an early childhood education (PAUD) teacher.
More than just a learning space, Rumah Belajar Simore is designed to be an engaging and resourceful space. Along its wooden shelves, a variety of books are neatly arranged, ranging from school textbooks to illustrated storybooks. Additionally, it also offers interactive educational games that help children familiarize themselves with letters and numbers in a fun and interactive way.
Fahwa Lerebulan, a fourth-grade student at SD Negeri 201 Halmahera Selatan, is among the many enthusiastic participants. “It’s exciting—there are so many books, and I can learn while playing,” she shared. Beyond benefiting children, Rumah Belajar Simore also serves as a welcoming space for parents, many of whom visit to read or accompany their children during learning sessions.
The presence of Rumah Belajar Simore has made a tangible impact on the local community, particularly among parents. Hamsiah Drakel, a resident of Gambaru Village, has observed significant progress in children’s literacy skills. While many initially faced challenges in reading, they are now demonstrating steady improvement, highlighting the effectiveness of this initiative in fostering educational growth.
“Every afternoon, children arrive here with enthusiasm. They not only engage in reading activities but also enjoy playtime afterward. Their excitement is evident, and it is rewarding to see how this space helps alleviate their daily stresses through learning and play,” Hamsiah said.
Karina Austrina Putri, Community Development Supervisor at Harita Nickel, highlighted that the program was developed in response to the low reading interest among children. “Our goal is to create a supportive learning environment without excessive academic pressure,” she stated.
She further highlighted that the key to improving literacy is first cultivating a love for books. “Once they develop an interest in reading, we can gradually enhance their literacy skills. Rumah Belajar Simore is not just a learning space, it is a platform to play, explore, and share joy,” she added.
Since its inception, Rumah Belajar Simore has benefited 73 children, helping them build confidence in their reading abilities. This milestone reinforces Harita Nickel’s commitment to further developing the program and expanding its reach.
Looking ahead, Harita Nickel plans to enrich the learning space with more books and educational games, as well as introduce storytelling sessions, film discussions, and training programs for volunteer educators. The goal is to replicate this initiative in other villages, ensuring that more children have access to enjoyable and engaging learning opportunities.
This article was published in Harita Nickel Magazine 1st edition 2025, click here to access other articles.
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