Developing Mini Libraries: IAINU and UNDARIS Students Introduce Literacy to Indonesian Migrant Children in Malaysia

Students from the Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic Institute (IAINU) Tuban are collaborating with Darul Ulum Islamic Centre Sudirman University (UNDARIS) Ungaran, Semarang, which is conducting an International Community Service Programme at At-Tanzil Guidance School in Malaysia. One of the flagship programmes in this activity is the development of a Mini Library aimed at Indonesian migrant children in the neighbouring country. This activity aims to increase reading interest and expand literacy access for migrant children studying at SB At-Tanzil. The students, together with teachers and local volunteers, worked together to set up a simple, comfortable and attractive reading room, using bookshelves, educational reading materials, and students' work, which were collected to form a mini library collection. In addition to building facilities, students also organised interactive literacy activities such as reading together, storytelling, and writing and drawing competitions. Through these activities, children were encouraged to recognise books as windows to knowledge and a source of enjoyable entertainment. The coordinator of the International Community Service Programme stated that the construction of this Mini Library is expected to become a sustainable educational legacy, and can be utilised by the school to support teaching and learning activities in the future. “This mini library is not just a place to store books, but a space to foster children's curiosity and love of learning,” said Chabibah Alamsyah, one of the IAINU Tuban students participating in the Community Service Programme in Malaysia. This collaboration between IAINU Tuban and UNDARIS Ungaran students is clear evidence that cross-campus synergy can have a positive impact in the field of education, especially for Indonesian migrant children who need literacy support and better access to learning. Author: Chabibah Alamsyah