85 Volunteer Companion Mentors Spread the Spirit of Inclusivity at YPLAB Special Needs School, Bandung
Eighty-five volunteers participating in the Companion Mentor programme conducted simultaneous social outreach activities across various regions in Indonesia on Friday (13 March). In Bandung, the activity was centred at YPLAB BC Special Needs School, part of efforts to foster a spirit of care and inclusive education for children with special needs.
The programme, initiated by Punya Skill Akademi in collaboration with Minds United Community and Creative Center, involved dozens of volunteers who simultaneously visited various social institutions, including orphanages, special needs schools (SLB), and social communities across several regions in Indonesia.
The activity at YPLAB BC Special Needs School in Bandung took place in a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Volunteers interacted directly with students, teachers, and parents through various activities aimed at building self-confidence and providing emotional support to the children.
Vice Director of Programme at Punya Skill Akademi, Sajidan Aflah, stated that the activity arose from the belief that social change can begin with simple steps. “Often we think that to create a large impact, we must do something big. However, large impact can start from something simple—being present, greeting, sitting together, and listening to one another,” he said.
Inspiring spirit
According to him, the presence of volunteers was not merely about giving, but also about learning to understand life from a different perspective. Children in special needs schools are often labelled as having limitations, yet they possess potential, eagerness to learn, and sincerity that can inspire many people.
The Companion Mentor programme is also aligned with global commitments through the United Nations via the Sustainable Development Goals agenda, particularly in promoting quality and inclusive education without discrimination.
In addition to social interaction activities, volunteers also presented gifts to students as a gesture of care and togetherness.
The Principal of YPLAB BC Special Needs School in Bandung, Karmila, welcomed the activity. She commended the presence of volunteers, which was seen as capable of providing spirit and moral support to the students.
For the volunteers, this activity was more than just a social programme—it was also a learning space about empathy and care in building a more inclusive society.
Through the Companion Mentor programme, the organisers hope that more members of the community will be motivated to contribute to creating a more caring social environment that appreciates diversity and provides equal opportunities for every child to develop and achieve their future goals.