FOSTERING AN INTEREST IN READING AND THE CREATIVITY OF ORPHANAGE CHILDREN THROUGH STORYTELLING AND THE LIBRARY CORNER

Abstract

Creativity should be developed as early as possible since the child is born. The world of children and teenager is a world of creativity, where they need space to move, think and be emotionally guided. One way to foster creativity is through reading activities. In comparison to other nations, Indonesians continue to have extremely little interest in reading. According to UNESCO data, Indonesia has the second-lowest rate of literacy in the entire globe. In terms of reading interest, Indonesia comes in at number 60 out of 61 nations. The public's lack of interest in reading should motivate the pertinent parties to facilitate and investigate what the reason of this is as soon as feasible. The provision of children's libraries is one way to promote creativity and reading interest among the younger population, especially children. On August 6, 2023, this community development activity was carried out to give the kids at the Hafidhin Royan Orphanage in South Jakarta City access to a little library called "Pojok Pustaka." By putting reading bookshelves in places where kids may easily access them, the service activity has been successfully carried out. When asked about their reactions, the orphanage residents' comments revealed that they were quite excited and glad to read the many picture books offered by Pojok Pustaka. The selection of books in the Pojok Pustaka will continue to be gradually expanded in an effort to prevent boredom, ensuring that kids who visit the Pojok Pustaka to read always have new books to choose from.