Literacy Friends Programme Boosts Reading Interest Among Solok School Students
Reading interest among students at Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama (SRMP) 5 Solok is on the rise, driven by the active use of the school library and various literacy activities. Some students have even demonstrated the ability to finish an entire novel in a single day before borrowing another.
This increase is part of an effort to strengthen the library’s function as a learning space and a hub for developing student reading interests. This initiative aligns with the directives of the Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), to revitalise literacy culture across all ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ environments.
One way this directive is being implemented is through the ‘Sahabat Literasi’ programme, a group of students who act as drivers for literacy activities and serve as an extension of the library management.
“Since the library and the Sahamed Literasi programme began driving their interest, alhamdulillah, their reading interest has increased,” said teacher and Head of Library, Enno Aulia Fitri, in a written statement on Saturday (5/9/2026).
According to her, Sahabat Literasi also plays a role in the management of the SRMP 5 Solok library. Students do not only assist in managing books but also encourage their peers to visit the library and recommend interesting titles.
In addition to inviting students to read, Sahabat Literasi conducts routine activities every Thursday, including ‘morning literacy’, storytelling, and short story writing. During morning literacy sessions, they select and prepare books to be read by students in their classrooms.
Enno noted that these literacy activities have begun to impact student reading habits. Fiction books, such as novels and comics, are highly popular, while peer recommendations help students find books that match their interests.
“Some of them even finish a single novel in one day. Once finished, they return it and immediately borrow a new one,” she said.
The increase in reading interest is also supported by school policies that limit gadget usage. Consequently, reading has become a primary leisure activity for students, alongside sports.
The SRMP 5 Solok library is open from 07:00 until the afternoon. Its collection is supported by the National Library (Perpusnas) and regional libraries, and has been curated by teachers to be child-friendly. Students may borrow a maximum of three books for four days, with the option to extend the loan period if they have not finished reading.
Teachers also support literacy activities by encouraging students to utilise the library collection to support classroom learning, including reading and writing exercises.
Enno hopes that Sahabat Literasi will continue to encourage students to view the library as a comfortable and enjoyable space for reading.
“The library should not be a place that feels stifling, but a place that makes you happy,” she said.
Alvino (14), a member of Sahabat Literasi, carries out this role by helping to organise books and inviting his friends to read in the library. He also follows a duty roster to assist with library activities and discuss books that have been read.
“First, I tidy the books, and second, I invite my fellow Sekolah Rakyat students to read in the library,” said Alvino.
He believes that a tidy library makes students more interested in visiting and reading.
“When it looks neat, it is pleasant to the eye, which helps encourage my friends so they do not become lazy about reading,” he added.