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‘Kaca’ Mobil: Spreading books and educational videos in rural East Java
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Students in Malang, East Java learn English by watching an educational video taken around by a library van, called Mobil Kaca, provided by Muhammadiyah Malang University. (JP/Nedi Putra AW)
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any Indonesians do not have access to a wide variety of books, prompting Muhammadiyah Malang University (UMM) to encourage reading by providing a van carrying books and multimedia facilities to rural areas in East Java.
The van carries at least 450 books and educational videos screened on LED TVs attached to the back of the van. The van is called Mobil Kaca, with “Kaca” short for “Kamis Membaca” (Reading Thursday).
Mobil Kaca UMM coordinator Ridlo Setiawan said Thursday that the van also carried volunteers to deliver teaching materials to the children. “We have an English for Young Learners program and offer basic journalism lessons,” he said when the van visited SD Muslimat NU Janti in Malang, East Java.
The van targets school children from elementary schools to high schools. “We’re preparing a program for kindergarteners,” Ridlo said.
The van began traveling to East Java in February, starting its journey in four regencies on Madura Island.
“We target all schools, including non-Muslim schools,” he said. UMM is run by Muhammadiyah, the second-largest Islamic organization in the country.
Rizki, 11, said he was happy to get a visit from Mobil Kaca. “I don’t only get good books but I’m also able to learn English in a fun way,” said the fifth grader. (evi)
