Multimodal Literacy Project Enhances literacy and English Language Skills in Indonesian School with BARIISMA 
SD Negeri Ngijo 1 or Ngijo Elementary School 1 located in Malang, East Java, Indonesia, embarked on a literacy transformation that resulted in impressive enhancements to its students’ language capabilities, thanks to a new multimodal English literacy initiative. Previously, the school’s “Saturday Reading” activity drew from a selection of books in their “Pojok Baca,” or classroom mini-library, which solely featured Indonesian texts, providing no English exposure and leading to student disinterest. Recognizing this shortfall, educators raised concerns about the need for a more diverse range of reading materials, particularly those in English. This shortcomings prompted a program called BARIISMA, which stands for “Baca Ringkas, Isi Mading” or “Read, Summarize, and Fill the Bulletin Board”. This innovative program was developed by a dedicated team from Universitas Negeri Malang, consisting of Rizky Imansyah R. P., Ananda Reyhan Atharullah, Angga Dwi Putra Cahyadi, Arif Mardianto, Gilang Wahyu Hidayatullah, and Vina Rahmatika. Together, they recognized the critical need to enhance literacy in a nation where literacy rates have been a persistent challenge. The introduction of BARIISMA was met with considerable improvements, showcasing the initiative’s success in closing the language gap. This initiative is directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (specifically the SDG 4.7) by ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning.
The BARIISMA program and the “Pojok Baca” initiative innovatively revamped the literacy landscape at SD Ngijo 1 Elementary School. Instead of a conventional reading curriculum, the BARIISMA program engaged students in a dynamic process of reading, summarizing, and creatively showcasing their comprehension on bulletin boards. This method encouraged students to delve into various reading materials, extract the core message, and distill it into a concise summary. These summaries were then artistically displayed on the school’s bulletin boards, fostering a visually stimulating environment that celebrated students’ achievements and facilitated peer-to-peer learning. The “Pojok Baca,” or Reading Corner, complemented the BARIISMA program by transforming classroom corners into inviting reading havens. Stocked with an array of books and comfortable seating, these corners provided students with a casual yet captivating space to read at their convenience. The informal setting of the “Pojok Baca” was crucial in making reading an accessible and enjoyable activity, thereby nurturing independent reading habits among the students.
BARIISMA’s approach aligns with SDG 4.7, which emphasizes the importance of education for sustainable development and global citizenship. By incorporating English literature that includes themes of diversity, environment, and social justice, the program equips students with the knowledge and values needed to contribute to a sustainable future.
The success of BARIISMA at SD Ngijo 1 Elementary School is a shining example of how targeted educational programs can make a significant difference in achieving the SDGs. It demonstrates that with innovative thinking, community support, and dedicated educators, it is possible to overcome challenges and create a nurturing environment where literacy and lifelong learning can thrive.
As the BARIISMA program evolves, it demonstrates the importance of joint efforts in increasing literacy outcomes. SD Ngijo 1 Elementary School’s success serves as an inspiration for other schools throughout Indonesia, demonstrating the potential for innovative literacy initiatives to make a lasting difference in the lives of students. The ambitious SDG 4.7 targets—the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—initiatives like BARIISMA serve as a reminder of the transformative power of education. This program not only enhances literacy but also contributes to the creation of a more informed, engaged, and responsible global citizenry, paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future for all.