The Tanah Ombak Reading Community as a New Social Movement to Improve Literacy Among Coastal Children

Abstract

The low level of literacy among children in coastal areas of Padang City constitutes a critical issue influenced by limited access to education, low socio-economic conditions, and high social vulnerability. This condition is further reinforced by the low Community Literacy Development Index (IPLM) of West Sumatra, which stands at only 9.8%, indicating a weak literacy culture within the community. Therefore, innovative and contextual community-based interventions are urgently needed. This community engagement aims to provide assistance and analyze the contribution of the Tanah Ombak Community in improving literacy among coastal children in Purus Beach, Padang. The study employs a qualitative approach with a case study design, utilizing in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation.

The findings reveal that art- and community-based literacy interventions significantly enhance children's engagement and reading habits. This is evidenced by a routine of reading at least 15 pages per day, increased participation in literacy activities, and behavioral changes toward more productive activities. The main strategies include integrating literacy with art and theater, innovating mobile library services through the “Vespa Pustaka,” and fostering continuous reading and writing practices. The implications of these findings confirm that creativity- and community-based literacy approaches are effective in building a reading culture, enhancing children's cognitive and social capacities, and contributing to social transformation in marginalized communities. This model is relevant for replication in similar contexts as a strategy for strengthening locally grounded literacy initiatives.