Bandung, 2024 — Recent research conducted by Dita Srikandina, supervised by Rully Khairul Anwar and Asep Saeful Rohman from the Library and Information Science Study Program at Padjadjaran University, reveals the important role of volunteers in instilling environmental literacy in children at Rumah Baca Jatmika, Bandung.
The research focused on eco-enzyme making activities at SD Alam Al Ghozali, guided by two volunteers. Eco-enzymes are organic liquids produced from the fermentation of fruit and vegetable waste, which serve not only as environmentally friendly cleaning agents but also as practical educational tools for children.
Findings revealed that volunteers acted as facilitators, mentors, instructors, motivators, and organizers of children’s participation. Through these roles, volunteers created interactive and enjoyable learning experiences, allowing children to both practice eco-enzyme making and understand its environmental benefits.
Despite their enthusiasm, volunteers faced several challenges, including limited tools and materials, an insufficient number of volunteers compared to the large group of children, and less conducive activity conditions. Nevertheless, the volunteers remained motivated by their desire to share knowledge, contribute to community literacy, and gain personal fulfillment through social interaction.
This study underscores the strategic role of volunteers in strengthening community-based environmental literacy initiatives. It also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The researchers hope that these findings will inspire other community libraries, reading houses, and non-formal educational institutions to actively involve volunteers in sustainable environmental literacy programs.
Full article available at: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250204110034_4036.pdf
Writer: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena Firdaus, Shelpi Nur Awaliyah
