Cilandak Health Centre Organises Work Internship Observation for Children with Down Syndrome
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Cilandak Health Centre in South Jakarta has organised an observation-based work internship activity for children suffering from the genetic disorder known as Down syndrome (DS), who are under the guidance of the Parents’ Association for Children with Down Syndrome (POTADS).
The event was held to mark Down Syndrome Day on Tuesday.
“Initially, they applied for an internship, but due to limited capacity and the lack of a standard mechanism, we converted this into an observation of services,” said the Head of Cilandak Health Centre, Sunersi Handayani, when met at the centre in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The activity was participated in by three children aged around 18 to 20 years, who had previously applied to join the internship programme.
During the event, participants were invited to observe various services at the health centre with staff accompaniment, to introduce them to the world of work while exploring their potential.
“They will observe various services, such as administration and registration, with staff guidance. The aim is for them to showcase their best potential in carrying out service tasks,” she said.
The activity lasted one day, for about four hours, adjusted to the participants’ physical condition and abilities.
“They were scheduled to arrive at 08:00 WIB, although they came earlier today due to their enthusiasm. The activities were divided into several units, but were purely observational and did not involve technical work,” she said.
The health centre also conducted an initial assessment to gauge the participants’ level of independence and communication skills, so that the accompaniment method could be tailored accordingly.
Nevertheless, the health centre assessed that the activity ran smoothly, with participants showing a cooperative attitude throughout the observation.
This was the first time such an activity has been held in the Cilandak area, and it is hoped to serve as an initial step to open opportunities for children with Down syndrome to familiarise themselves with the working world.
“We will evaluate it first. In the future, we do not rule out the possibility of holding this activity periodically with rotating participants,” she said.
Meanwhile, one of the participants named Desvita Annisa (20) said she was pleased to take part in the activity.
She said the event gave her the opportunity to tour and get to know the health centre environment. She also expressed interest in becoming a healthcare worker in the future.
“I want to become a nurse so I can help young children and pregnant mothers,” said Evy, accompanied by her parent.
Based on data from the Cilandak Health Centre, in 2025 there are 578 people with disabilities, and only 108 are registered in the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS).