Help Promote Good Reading Habits in Kalimantan

The Nutrition in Action (NIA) program was originally designed to address malnutrition and unhealthy eating habits in the communities we aim to support. These challenges are prevalent in our project areas; Cipanas, West Java, and Bukit Batu, Central Kalimantan, where awareness about hygiene and healthy nutrition remains limited. Tackling this issue is one of our organization’s main focuses over the next three years.

In Kalimantan, the NIA program targets library members. Once a week, through health and nutrition activities, our staff educate them on the importance of healthy living and eating nutritious food. After each information session, the children enjoy a glass of milk along with a healthy snack. The snacks provided are simple, affordable, and nutritious. The menu includes items like chocolate pudding, fresh fruit slices, and milk biscuits. Sometimes, the children even help our librarian prepare the snacks.

Parents are happy to see that the YUM library is not only dedicated to their children’s education but also to their health and well-being.

Let’s hear what our library members have to say about the program:

VI, a 5th grader who lives quite far from the library, never misses a chance to come, especially on Thursdays—the day the NIA program takes place. “I love coming to the library. There are so many interesting books to read. On certain days, the librarian teaches us how to take care of our health, and then she gives us a glass of milk and delicious pudding.” 

EZ, another 5th grader, joined the library last year. “This library is much better than my school. I can get a glass of milk and fruit slices for free. Inside the library, there are many nice books to read. And if I want to play outside, my friends and I can use the library’s equipment as long as we return it after we finish playing!”