In response to literacy concerns, the Educational Institution of Educational Personnel (Lembaga Pendidikan Tenaga Kependidikan, or LPTK) in the province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and INOVASI launched the Literacy Volunteer program to help students learn to read and count at home. There are around 800 students from 14 LPTKs in NTB and outside the province who have registered as Literacy Volunteers candidates.
In a virtual equipping event held on 2 February 2021 for the Literacy Volunteers candidates, the Chair of LPTK NTB, Prof. Dr. H. Wahab Jufri, M.Sc., expressed his hope that the Literacy Volunteers would be able to become campus ambassadors as well as responsible LPTK ambassadors and contribute to helping children who experience learning challenges during the pandemic.
INOVASI has equipped the Literacy Volunteer program with materials containing lessons on literacy and numeracy as well as gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (Kesetaraan Gender, Disabilitas, dan Inklusi Sosial, or GEDSI). These materials will help the volunteers apply an appropriate method based on a student’s ability. The volunteers are also equipped with methods that enable them to better communicate with parents. The Literacy Volunteer program is able to accommodate learning for students who are at risk of losing learning opportunities due to limited facilities and infrastructure; this includes children with disabilities who have difficulty participating in distance learning. In addition, the program helps parents to support their children while they are learning from home.
According to Prof. Wahab Jufri, LPTK NTB will conduct a review to ensure that the Literacy Volunteer program can later equate to Courses Learning Outcomes (Capaian Pembelajaran Mata Kuliah, or CPMK), similar to other relevant courses.
Prof. Wahab Jufri stated in his speech, “We will include your participation in the Literacy Volunteer program as part of certain courses, and it will at least equip and support your Competency Certificate and Supplement Diploma (Sertifikat Kompetensi Pendamping Ijazah, or SKPI) when you graduate.”
While delivering his remarks, Prof. Wahab Jufri also reminded the Literacy Volunteers to take care of their health and comply with health protocols when providing assistance.