In an effort to foster a culture of literacy among students, Komunitas Bacaan Media, in collaboration with the Master’s Program in Islamic Economics (MES) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, organized a Creative Writing Workshop entitled “Writing Is Fun!” at SMP Negeri 3 Turi, Sleman, on Thursday (October 16, 2025). This activity formed part of the MES Community Service Program and involved lecturers, alumni, and active students in a school-based literacy movement aimed at encouraging writing skills, creative thinking, and the introduction of Islamic economic literacy among students.

The Head of SMP Negeri 3 Turi, Widayati, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.Psi., officially opened the event and expressed strong appreciation for the collaboration. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of literacy as a core component of a humanistic and innovative school culture. She noted that literacy encompasses not only reading and writing skills, but also the ability to understand, process, and express ideas thoughtfully. Through this program, the school hoped that students would discover joy in writing and gain confidence in expressing their thoughts.

The workshop, which was attended by 379 students, received a positive response from the school community and accompanying teachers. Conducted in an interactive and engaging atmosphere, the program featured a variety of enjoyable writing activities. School representatives observed that such initiatives not only develop writing skills, but also foster students’ self-confidence and critical thinking abilities, which are essential for character development.

The workshop featured two main speakers: Siti Nur Azizah, S.E.I., M.E.I., a lecturer in the Master’s Program in Islamic Economics at UIN Sunan Kalijaga as well as a writer and literacy advocate; and Wahyu Wibowo, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.E., an MES alumnus and Founder of Komunitas Bacaan Media.

In her presentation, Dr. Siti Nur Azizah encouraged students to view writing not merely as a school assignment, but as a medium for self-expression and self-discovery. She emphasized that writing is not solely about talent, but about the courage to articulate ideas, and that each piece of writing represents a journey toward understanding both the world and oneself.

The writing practice session was facilitated by Wahyu Wibowo together with eight volunteers from Komunitas Bacaan Media, all of whom are active students of the Master’s Program in Islamic Economics. The volunteers—Aqidatul Islamiyah, S.E.; Fauzia Kamila Hayati, S.E.; Azza Ibraisama Ersyada, S.Kom.; Dicky Faldy Prayoga, S.E.; Asa Hafsa Nabela, S.E.; Taufikur Rohman, S.E.; Ratih Farhani Avisya, BBA; and Eka Winaria, S.E.—served as facilitators, moderators, and documentation team members, accompanying students throughout the free-writing sessions.

Students’ enthusiasm was evident throughout the activity. They produced a wide range of written works, including personal experiences, friendship stories, and imaginative narratives. Several students volunteered to read their writings aloud in front of their classmates, receiving enthusiastic applause.

According to Wahyu Wibowo, the primary objective of the activity was not to identify the most skilled writers, but to cultivate the courage to begin writing. Dr. Siti Nur Azizah further noted that the program represents a tangible form of synergy between academia and the community in promoting value-based education, creativity, and literacy. Through this collaboration, the Master’s Program in Islamic Economics at UIN Sunan Kalijaga and Komunitas Bacaan Media hope to sustain students’ enthusiasm for writing and contribute to the development of a reflective, creative, and confident young generation.