ZAMASAMA PRESENTS
A Guide for Teachers and Parents
Written and Illustrated
by
Tyas Widjati
Students will understand how individual initiative can transform lives and communities. They will reflect on the role of youth in creating change and learn that compassion and action transcend race, geography, or belief.
Discussion Questions
Before Reading:
- What does literacy mean to you?
- Why do you think reading and writing are important?
During Reading:
- How did Alvian’s life change after his family tragedy?
- What obstacles did he and his friends face in their mission?
After Reading:
- How do you think children feel when they have to leave school or cannot study?
- How can young people help others learn?
- Do you know anyone who is working to make the world a better place?
Activities:
1. Locate Borneo on the World Map (Geography & Awareness)
Begin by finding Indonesia and Borneo on a globe or digital map. Discuss:
- What kind of terrain do you see?
- Why might travel between villages be hard?
- How might this affect access to books and schools?
2. Why Literacy Matters (Reflective Writing / Class Discussion)
Invite students to write a short paragraph or draw a poster answering:
- Why is being able to read important?
- How does reading help us in everyday life?
- What would life be like if you couldn’t read?
- List reasons why some children do not get an education..
3. Who’s Helping Children Learn? (Research & Presentation)
Ask students to find out about organizations that work to improve literacy—locally or globally (e.g., Room to Read, World reader, Save the Children).
- What do these organizations do?
- How could we support their efforts as a class (book drives, awareness posters, thank-you cards)?
4. Be a Changemaker (Creative Brainstorm)
Just like Alvian and his friends, what’s one thing you would like to fix in your school or community?
- Create a “My Good Deed Plan” with steps, challenges, and who you’ll help.
- Display these ideas on a classroom wall as “Hope Boards.”
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
SDG Explanation:
- SDG 4: Focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education—central to Alvian’s mission.
- SDG 10: Promotes equal opportunities, which Alvian supports by bringing literacy to underprivileged communities.
- SDG 17: Highlights partnerships—reflected in how Alvian and his friends worked together for impact.
Students will recognize that change can begin with them. They will feel inspired by real-life stories of youth leadership and understand how sharing, caring, and valuing diversity can make the world a better place.
Zamasama is a nonprofit platform that brings together stories from around the world to help children discover that beneath our differences—of culture, language, or belief—we share the same hopes, joys, and dreams.
Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens, and the responsibility of building a more peaceful, tolerant, and empathetic world lies with them.
That’s why it’s vital to instill these values early—through stories that help them rise above the biases they inherit, and see diversity as a strength that unites us all.