Inclusion in Action: Walk Promotes Rights and Talents of Children with Disability
Saturday, April 20, 2024, was an unforgettable day for Iren, a blind student with a beautiful voice. That day, Iren and her other disabled friends from four Special Education Schools (SLB) in Kupang City participated in a Healthy Walk and Campaign for the Rights of Children with Disabilities during car-free day.
This activity was carried out thanks to the collaboration of all SLBs in Kupang City, the Education Office and BPMP of East Nusa Tenggara Province, the Undana Penjaskesrek Study Program, the East Nusa Tenggara Autism Service Center, Garamin (People with Disabilities Organisation), Wahana Visi Indonesia, and communities or organizations that pay attention to people with disabilities in East Nusa Tenggara.
Even though she had to wake up earlier than usual, Iren didn't complain at all. She was actually very enthusiastic about the day's activities because she would be singing with her melodious voice. This opportunity didn't come often for Iren. "I'm so happy to be following this activity. I can sing and play with my friends here too," said Iren.
In addition to singing, Iren and her friends also participated in various physical activities. For her, doing physical activities has become a habit since the SLB where she goes to school collaborated with the BOKS project. "My friends and I at school are also taught the movements given by the BOKS project. From that activity, we become more enthusiastic in following lessons and of course we have healthy bodies," said the sixth-grade student at one of the SLBs in Kupang City.
"We are very happy and enthusiastic because through this activity the wider community can know that SLBs can do it. So no longer think that children in SLBs are not educated. In fact, these children have many skills and advantages through the guidance we provide. We want the community to see that SLBs are able to socialize with the wider community," said Mrs. Amini as the Chair of the Musyawarah Kepala Sekolah (MKKS) SLB se-Kota Kupang. Mrs. Amini's message is indeed the main purpose of this activity. In addition to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for children, this activity also wants to voice equality of rights for children with disabilities.
Inclusion was the spirit carried out in this car-free day activity. Children with disabilities have access and opportunities to participate. They presented various talents they have and have honed while attending education at SLB. Children with disabilities have proven to be skilled and skilled because many car-free day visitors were amazed and recorded their performance moments.
"I hope this activity can continue so that children with disabilities who have different talents can show them off so that people can see that children with disabilities are also great and capable. Children with disabilities should no longer be underestimated," said Mrs. Yanti, Iren's mother.
Author: Reski Gitami (Digital Marketing and Content Specialist BOKS Project)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
