MENGABDI MELALUI BUKU DAN BAHASA: SINERGI AMERICAN CORNER ITB DAN ODESA UNTUK KEMAJUAN MASYARAKAT DESA

Abstract

Literacy and English proficiency are two factors that can increase Indonesia's competitiveness among international citizen. Indonesia's vast territory results in unequal access of the people to education. This has an impact on the low level of literacy and English skills of Indonesia's younger generation compared to other Southeast Asian countries. This research raises a discussion related to the initiation of American Corner ITB (a non-profit organization under the United States embassy) and Odesa (an independent non-profit social organization) in empowering villagers through books and learning English. This study uses a qualitative method with an evaluative approach. In the evaluation research, the researcher is involved in observing the effectiveness of the program according to the planned goals. The purpose of this research is to analyse the results of the “Empowering People through Books and Language” program initiated by American Corner ITB and Odesa. The analysis process is carried out through three stages, which are the preparation stage, the performance stage, and the evaluation stage. The research results found that the program had a positive impact, but  book topics need to be adjusted with targeted needs.