Heart of Bekasi Special Education Teacher Touched by Students' Concerns: "After Graduation, What Job Will I Do?"
BEKASI – The principal of SLB Kembar Karya Pembangunan III, Vivi Sukmawati (53), acknowledged that her heart was moved upon hearing the concerns of her students who had completed their education.
This prompted her to establish an entrepreneurship programme conducted by students during Ramadan. She wanted to equip them with the skills for self-reliance so they could create employment opportunities for themselves after finishing their schooling.
“I want my students to graduate from school and be able to support themselves. Because sometimes former students come to me after graduation and ask, ‘Ma’am, what job should I do?’ That is what touches my heart,” Vivi said when met by Kompas.com on Jalan Komodo Raya, South Bekasi District, Bekasi City, Thursday (26 February 2026).
For this reason, she has encouraged students to develop entrepreneurial skills as preparation for their future.
“With initiatives like this, they can create their own employment opportunities,” she said.
She hopes that direct involvement of students in public spaces will make them increasingly open and confident. She also hopes that continued community support will enable the students to develop into self-reliant individuals.
“My hope is that the community can support our programme. So the children can become self-sufficient and the community can welcome them with open arms,” Vivi said.
This concern has gradually been addressed through the activities of students selling iftar refreshments on Jalan Komodo Raya.
As the time for breaking the fast approaches, several students from SLB Kembar Karya Pembangunan III can be seen standing behind sales tables, offering various food and beverages they have prepared themselves.
Despite selling under simple tents, their enthusiasm does not wane. Each time a customer arrives, the students’ smiles light up.
Their nimble hand movements become a bridge of communication between students and customers. Amid limitations in hearing and speech, interactions remain warm.
The students greet customers with friendly expressions, then use sign language to conduct transactions.
“They are accustomed to using sign language. But when meeting the general public, using sign language is not possible, so this encourages them to interact with other people,” Vivi said.