Reporting from Merdeka.com (28/2), only a few people see teenagers with special needs wisely. In fact, they have the ability that often presents admiration. Like in financial matters.
This was seen in YEP’s ‘Financial Life Skills Financial Life Skills’ Training Program, the YouthWin Through Economic Participation project in collaboration with RBM, the community-based rehabilitation center and the Widyatama University Art Therapy Center.
This activity is a training for young people with special needs. The aim is to give them life skills and financial literacy between individuals. In addition, to build self-confidence, attitude of responsibility, make decisions and solve problems and determine financial goals, to increase their chances of achieving a better career and life.
“This activity was held for two days on February 27 and 28. Followed by 19 people. “The activities take place at 08.00 to 14.00 WIB,” said the Chairperson of Widyatama University’s Art Therapy Center, Anne Nurfarina, Wednesday (2/28).
YEP is part of a multi-program initiative called Kunci from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to equip vulnerable Indonesian youth with training and the opportunities needed to participate and benefit from Indonesia’s economic growth.
In the activity held for two days, she said, it was not unexpected that the training participants who were young people with special needs ranging in age from 19 to 21 years were able to capture the material provided.”According to USAID, as many as 70 to 80 percent of the answers raised by the speakers can be answered correctly. That means they have the ability to do that, they can,” she stated.In this event, Anne explained, her findings emphasized that the participants needed to develop a course related to simulation, regarding their own financial management.”This is the first training held in Indonesia, an economic training for people with disabilities.
In my opinion, this activity is very important because it is useful to prepare themselves to be more independent, “explained Anne.Another objective of this activity is to ensure that young people with special needs have equal access to education and employment so that they can fulfill their basic needs in their daily lives.
Then, set and fulfill future goals and benefit their families and the surrounding community.Financial Life Skills are very important for those with special needs, especially because they must be productive members in the community and be independent in everyday situations. These are community members who can make meaningful contributions.”The goal is that we have a vision to raise the dignity of persons with disabilities to be able to be independent, and to earn income both in the formal sector or independently make their own business,” she said.
