Inspiring Student Volunteers Open a new Reading Post-1The involvement of volunteers is one of the keys to the success of ILN’s programs. Volunteers can come from a variety of ages, educational levels, and professions. This kind of volunteer involvement is alive and well at the Regina Pacis High School, which regularly sends students to be involved in ILN’s social programs as part of their Civics classes. These students get involved by assisting the staff with teaching children at reading posts. They also help with crafts, storytelling, and even donating new books. Their willing help deserves a “two-thumbs up”, because although they are busy with their studies, they are eager to teach children after school without losing their enthusiasm.

Inspiring Student Volunteers Open a new Reading Post-2

But they don’t stop there! These student volunteers feel a burden to help younger children progress in their education. Niko, a student in his last year of high school, came to us after helping to teach for a year. He told us of an interesting idea that he and his friends had decided on: contributing a reading post themselves for the people of Indonesia. “We feel a sense of passion and are challenged within ourselves to prove that we as high school students are capable of doing something extraordinary for people. We want to demonstrate this as students by working in more constructive ways, one of which is to build a reading post,” Niko said.

Maximum results are impossible without a struggle and lots of hard work. (Or as the saying goes, “Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds!”) It seems like this must be the motto that inspired Niko and his friends to realize their goal of building a reading post. Beginning with finding sponsors, then earning money by selling food and drinks, and even organizing a book drive, they have accomplished their goal with joy. Their efforts have produced sweet fruit, and on August 23, 2014, a new reading post successfully opened in Katulampa Elementary School in Bogor. Now the children in that school district can enjoy the world of reading by coming to the little library in their own school.

Inspiring Student Volunteers Open a new Reading Post-3

Imagine how the simple work of Niko and his friends can inspire other people! Although they are still young, they have bravely contributed to the development of our nation, especially in the field of education.