Sofya (18), a teenage girl from Palu, once felt that her life had come to a halt too soon. Since junior high school, she had noticed changes in her physical condition. She developed a spinal disability that was believed to be caused by genetic factors. The condition made it difficult for her to walk long distances or stand for extended periods. As a result, Sofya had to leave school during her second year of senior high school. From that point on, the dreams she once held began to fade.
These limitations led Sofya to withdraw from social life. She felt embarrassed to leave the house because people often stared at her or asked questions about her condition. She spent most of her days in her room, using her phone while struggling with anxiety and a loss of self-confidence.
Through a school dropout support program, Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) in Palu initially encouraged Sofya to continue her education, either through formal or non-formal pathways. However, Sofya declined. She felt that her physical challenges made returning to school no longer a realistic option. WVI respected her decision while continuing to provide psychosocial support, recognizing the importance of helping her overcome the emotional distress she had been carrying for so long.
With consistent support, positive changes gradually emerged. Sofya began opening up and sharing her fears. Although she had once felt incapable and hopeless, she eventually made a bold decision to enroll in a beauty and makeup training program. Through regular counseling, she became mentally stronger and more prepared to learn, meet new people, and accept herself.
At the beauty salon where she received her training, Sofya rediscovered her confidence. She studied diligently and completed each stage of the program despite her physical limitations. She showed exceptional skill and patience in applying eyelash extensions, which became one of her strengths. The training not only provided her with practical skills but also gave her the courage to leave the house, interact with others, and trust in her own abilities. The certificate she earned became tangible proof that she was capable of moving forward.
“My hope for the future is to become a professional makeup artist whom people can hire. Through makeup artistry, I can earn an income. And once I’m earning money, I can help my father,” she said enthusiastically.
Author: Taufik Tri Nur Hidayat (Freelance for Sigi, Palu, Donggala Area Programme)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)