Kebumen - The children of Kelompok Bermain (KB) MNU 10 Taman Pintar in Grenggeng Village, Karanganyar, Kebumen, Central Java, beamed with excitement as they received new storybooks from MNC Peduli. The event was more than just a book donation. It was a lively celebration of learning, filled with storytelling, coloring, and traditional dance performances.

The initiative aims to cultivate a love for reading from an early age while expanding literacy access in one of Indonesia’s most reading-engaged regions. In 2024, Kebumen recorded the highest Community Literacy Development Index (IPLM) in Central Java, scoring 78.81, surpassing both the provincial average of 70.57 and the national average of 73.52. While this reflects a strong reading culture, ongoing support from educators, families, and communities remains crucial.

For children like Ghasani Rumaisa Permana, the event was a moment of joy. "I love these books! They're so much fun, and I get to read with my friends," she said enthusiastically.

Parents were equally delighted. Ari Widyastuti, a mother attending the event, appreciated that the program went beyond books, incorporating interactive activities such as storytelling, traditional dance, and art.

"Alhamdulillah, the children had a wonderful time. They played together, listened to stories, and even performed the Pandan and Eblek dances. Events like this are great for their growth," she said.

Mursinah, the head of KB MNU 10 Taman Pintar, expressed her gratitude for the books, seeing them as a valuable resource for early childhood education.

"Thank you to MNC Peduli for this generous donation. These books will inspire children to read more and expand their knowledge," she said.

Community leaders also recognized the broader significance of the program. Eri Listiyawan, head of Grenggeng Village, emphasized that literacy is a shared responsibility.

"Innovation and creativity in encouraging young readers is not just the job of schools or the government. It’s a commitment we must all make, from families to the entire community," he said.

The event is part of Generasi Cerdas Anak Bangsa (Smart Generation for the Nation), an ongoing literacy initiative by MNC Peduli that seeks to provide greater access to books for children across Indonesia. The organization is also inviting the public to support education by donating to Yayasan Jalinan Kasih.

With programs like these, MNC Peduli hopes to foster a generation of curious, engaged readers, children who see books not just as pages of words but as gateways to imagination, knowledge, and a brighter future