That said, these issues cannot be the sole reasons for a lack of literacy engagement. Personal disinterest in literacy may also play a role. The earlier generations of santri, who became influential scholars in their communities, are living proof that despite limited resources, they were able to cultivate their literacy skills. Their perseverance helped them achieve their dreams. Therefore, fostering a culture of literacy among santri must be a priority for all of us.
There are several efforts that can be made to encourage literacy within the santri community:
First, providing reading spaces. Creating accessible reading spaces is crucial for fostering literacy. A dedicated area where santri can read will naturally ignite their interest in literacy. This is especially true when the books available meet their needs and interests, further motivating them to read. Additionally, this will positively impact their writing skills, as reading is the fuel for writing. The more one reads, the easier writing becomes.