Sarawakku membaca

Sarawakku Membaca Program

The Sarawakku Membaca Program is an initiative aimed at cultivating a culture of reading and enhancing literacy within the communities of Sarawak. The program, initiated by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Sibu under the Community Engagement Services Division, led by Puan Fiona Ravia Asing, aspires to develop a well-informed and knowledgeable society, capable of thriving in today’s globalized world.

A significant component of the initiative is the Sarawakku Membaca Carnival N.44 Jemoreng, which marks the third installment held in 2024. The first installment was held in N46 Meradong in July 2024, followed by the second in N49 Ngemah, Kanowit in August 2024. This carnival series is designed with the primary goal of instilling a love for reading and nurturing a culture of knowledge within the Sarawak community. Organized by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Sibu, the carnival features a variety of reading-related activities, including workshops, hands-on practical sessions, talks, exhibitions, and more. These activities are carefully tailored to engage every layer of society, regardless of age or background, ensuring that all participants benefit from the program.

The carnival not only aims to create an enjoyable atmosphere but also seeks to educate and inspire the community to continue the practice of reading and lifelong learning. In the long term, it is hoped that this initiative will serve as a catalyst for increasing literacy rates, enriching knowledge, and preparing the Sarawakian society to be more competitive and ready to face future challenges.

Program Objectives

• Increase Leadership and Community Involvement: Enhance the participation of Sarawak’s leaders and local communities in activities related to reading and education.
• Promote Public Participation: Encourage the public in Sarawak to take part in reading-related programs and activities, nurturing a love for reading.
• Foster Lifelong Reading Habits: Raise awareness of the importance of lifelong reading and promote reading from diverse sources, establishing it as a cultural norm.
• Connect Communities with Reading Resources: Bring communities closer to reading materials and foster a society of knowledgeable, creative thinkers.

Key Program Dates

• July 28-31, 2023: Program Launch @ Rh George Takin Bukit Inkerbai
• August 16-18, 2023: Continued activities
• September 6-8, 2023: Continued activities
• October 26-28, 2023: Children’s Activity Competition and program continuation
• November 23-26, 2023: SDG Activity Competition and Closing Ceremony @ Kingwood Mukah

Program Locations

1. N.57 Tellian in July 2023
2. N46 Meradong in July 2024
3. N49 Ngemah, Kanowit in August 2024
4. N.44 Jemoreng in September 2024

Target Participants

The program targets a wide demographic, including:

• Parents
• Children
• Teenagers
• Adults
• Senior Citizens

Program Activities

The following activities are designed to engage the community in reading, literacy, and digital education:

• Reading with Leaders: Local leaders share summaries of their favorite books with the community, promoting the habit of reading.
• Senior Citizen Activities: Special activities tailored for senior citizens, helping them use their free time productively while gaining knowledge in various fields.
• Adult Literacy Classes: These classes target adults with limited reading, writing, and numeracy skills, aiming to reduce illiteracy rates in Sarawak’s rural areas.
• Membership Drives: Participants can register for free membership, granting them access to Pustaka Negeri Sarawak’s library services.
• PANDei Workshops: These workshops focus on enhancing digital literacy, particularly in rural areas.
• Reading Seeds Workshops: These workshops involve parents in fostering early reading habits for children aged 0-3, with parents receiving free Reading Seeds kits.
• Children’s Activities: Engaging activities aimed at promoting reading among children while encouraging creativity and cognitive development.
• Makerspace Activities: Participants, including students and innovators, are introduced to tools and equipment focused on STEM education.
• Reading Corners: Communities are encouraged to set up dedicated reading spaces to promote a reading culture.
• Competitions and Awards: A range of competitions such as Adult Literacy Competition, Children’s Competitions, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Competition are held to showcase participants’ talents.

Committee Members

The Sarawakku Membaca Program has been meticulously organized by a dedicated committee. Here are the key roles and responsibilities:

• Penasihat: Encik Fairul Azli Banchit - Advises the overall implementation of the program.
• Penyelaras: Puan Fiona Ravia Anak Asing - Oversees program planning, budgeting, preparation, and coordinates the execution of activities.
• Stage Manager (Perasmian & Penutupan): Mohd Tarmizi - Ensures smooth execution of activities according to the planned schedule.
• Gimik Perasmian: Nurfarathul Aqma - Manages the program’s opening ceremony.
• Jamuan: Matilda & Franky Rumi - Arranges catering and meal distribution during the events.
• Pendaftaran Peserta: Mas Azreena & PD Mukah Team - Manages participant registration and feedback forms.
• Cenderahati: Mas Azreena - Handles souvenirs for participants and VIPs.
• Pengangkutan: Matilda - Manages transportation logistics for the program staff.
• Penginapan: Mohd Bazli - Manages accommodation logistics for the program staff.
• Logistik (Perasmian & Penutupan): Mohd Azharulnizam & Mohd Bazli - Ensures availability of equipment and seating arrangements.
• Promosi: Sofea - Manages promotions, media outreach, and social media.
• Teknikal (Perasmian & Penutupan): Muqri Bin Awang Ibrahim - Manages technical aspects such as music and presentations during the events.
• Pereka Grafik: Franky Rumi & Mohd Bazli - Designs posters, banners, and other visual materials.
• Usherettes: Annasyah & AJK Rumah Panjang Team - Welcomes and assists VIP guests during the event.
• Pengacara Majlis: Cassieafiefie (Perasmian) & Rayson (Penutupan) - Hosts the program’s opening and closing ceremonies.
• Rakan Kerjasama: Nurrul Azzila & Franky Rumi - Coordinates partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
• JK Persembahan (Penutupan): Mas Azreena & Matilda - Organizes performances for the closing ceremony.
• JK Jemputan (Penutupan): Nurrul Azzila & Franky Rumi - Manages invitations for the closing ceremony.
• JK Dekorasi (Penutupan): Annasyah - Oversees decorations for the event’s closing ceremony.
• JK Aktiviti: CESD, IS, PANDei - Plans and organizes the program's activities.

Program Partners and Collaborators

The success of the program is also attributed to its partners, including:

• Pejabat Kebajikan Masyarakat Bahagian Mukah
• Unit Digitalisasi Perkhidmatan Awam
• Timogah Sdn. Bhd.
• UiTM Mukah
• Mukah Politeknik
• Bank Negara Malaysia, Cawangan Sarawak
• Perpustakaan Desa Mukah

This collaborative effort ensures that communities are provided with educational resources and services, emphasizing the importance of literacy and lifelong learning as key elements for societal progress in Sarawak.