The Spirit of Little Kartinis from YPAC
Opportunities for employment for people with disabilities continue to show positive developments. This is driven by the role of the government, strengthened regulations, and increasing public awareness of the importance of inclusivity.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - That morning, a soft brush applied red colour to the cheeks of a child nicknamed Kiki. Her face grew even brighter as she sang from her lips, preparing to perform with full enthusiasm.
Her hands, resting on her wheelchair, tapped gently to the rhythm. Balinese traditional attire fitted perfectly on her small body.
Her smile never faded, as if the stage was the most comfortable place for her.
Kiki was not new to singing. Since kindergarten, she had been trained by her teachers at school. For her, singing is not just an activity, but a source of happiness.
“I like singing because it makes me happy,” she said briefly with a meaningful smile.
Her interest in the world of singing has even led her to participate in various competitions. Two years ago, she won third place in an event at the DKI Jakarta level.
Her aspiration is simple yet grand: to become a singer. Innocently, she takes singers like Mahalini as her inspiration.
Off stage, Kiki is a cheerful child. She enjoys IPAS lessons and break times with her friends.
Not only singing, she is also interested in the world of fashion modelling. For her, performing in public is not something scary, but an opportunity to express herself.
Kiki has grown into a confident child, especially thanks to the guidance at the Special School (SLB) of the Yayasan Pembinaan Anak Cacat (YPAC) in South Jakarta.
The role of this SLB in nurturing students’ mentality is also acknowledged by Yanto, the parent of Ella, a sixth-grade student. Yanto sees a significant change in his child since joining the Special School (SLB) of the Yayasan Pembinaan Anak Cacat (YPAC).
According to him, talent show activities like this are not just routine events, but important means to build children’s courage.
“This becomes motivation for the child to be brave, confident, and perform in public,” he said.
His family had just moved from Solo. He stated that the decision to school his child at YPAC was the right choice, especially because the facilities and guidance are considered more complete.
“It’s more complete here. Because we also moved, so we looked for one that suits,” he said.
Ella herself has various interests, from painting, reading, to sports like watching football and badminton.
In lessons, she likes English. Her aspiration is no less noble: to become a teacher.