Read the words, read the world.
Waca Bajo grew in Labuan Bajo, out of people who wanted to read together. We are still shaping what we do, alongside the people who live here — and anyone can join from the start.
We believe reading is where curiosity begins, and with it the understanding and the nerve to look at the world more widely.
- Where we work
- Labuan BajoWhere we work
- Open, no requirements
- All agesOpen, no requirements
Where we come from
A reading culture grows where people, books, and stories meet
Three things that explain why this movement exists, and where it is heading.
Why we exist
Books sitting on a shelf do not make anyone read. What usually does is another person asking you to read with them.
Where the name comes from
“Waca” means “to read.” The name comes from the language and the ground this movement grew in: Labuan Bajo.
What reading means to us
Reading is how we get to know, understand, listen, and pass a story on. That is where growing together starts.
What we believe
GrowingThroughStories
Through books, stories, and time spent together, we are building a place where people learn, understand one another, and grow.
Values
Four values that shape how we work
Not a slogan — these are what we fall back on for the small decisions, every day.
Everyone has an equal place here.
Activities are shaped with the people who live here, not handed over ready-made.
Everyone gets the same chance.
No conditions on age, background, or how well you read.
We try new ways instead of arguing about them.
When something does not work, we say so and change it.
Listen first, then carry on.
Every activity ends by asking what changed.
Get involved
Open to anyone, whatever you bring with you
The space to get involved — as a volunteer or otherwise — is something we are still putting together. No requirements, no experience needed: once it is ready, just tell us who you are and what you would like to do, and we will get back to you as soon as this officially opens.
What we are getting ready
The shape and schedule are not decided yet. All of it will be worked out together with whoever joins first, based on the time and interests they bring.
The next story needs one more person
Open to students, teachers, newcomers, and anyone who enjoys reading — including anyone who does not yet feel they have a role.