The term “literacy” is derived from the Latin word “literatus,” meaning a person who is learning. According to various sources, literacy extends beyond simply reading and writing. It involves understanding, engaging with, using, analyzing, and transforming texts.
In this highly advanced era, literacy has become an essential skill for everyone, including santri. Borrowing the definition from Gus Ach Dhofir Zuhry, a santri is someone who studies in a pesantren. From this definition, it is clear that santri and literacy are inseparable. As the next generation tasked with spreading religious knowledge across the globe, literacy is key for santri to realize their mission.
However, the support santri receive in fostering a culture of literacy is still far from optimal. Some pesantren lack any literacy initiatives at all. This can be attributed to several factors, including the absence of library facilities, outdated book collections, limited technological access, and other challenges.