Echi Pramita was a typical 17-year-old high school student who had big dreams
chi Pramita was a typical 17-year-old high school student who had big dreams. This bright and ambitious young woman had only six months left to graduate when she was returning home from school on her motorbike and had an accident. She was immobilized from her waist down, but was determined not to be held back the wheelchair she was destined to spend the rest of her life sitting in.
'I found out about Wisma Cheshire when I was in the rehabilitation program at Fatmawati Hospital [...] I sent an application and got accepted,' said Echi.
Yayasan Wisma Cheshire was established in Jakarta in 1974, where they provide residential and vocational training programs for adult men and women with disabilities.
Along with vocational training for Cheshire residents, the center is currently working on a project called 'Young Voices Indonesia', which aims to strengthen the role of young people with disabilities.
'We encourage [them] to speak about the rights of people with disabilities [...] through being creative, making music and hosting art performances ' to motivate other youth with similar experiences,' said Petty Elliot, president of Wisma Cheshire.
Leonard Cheshire Disability, with help from the European Union, funded the program in 2011 that ran for two years. Petty, who has been volunteering with the foundation for more than a decade, said it would be a pity if the program did not continue.
Young Voices Indonesia are groups of talented 16-to-24-year-old youths with disabilities. The members have monthly meetings to discuss various topics involving disability rights. They also receive training and education to enhance their skills in advocacy and campaigning to work for a better future for young people living with disabilities.
Echi was hungry for a platform where she could grow and focus on her ability, rather than disability. Young Voices Indonesia has helped her realize her capability. Just over a month ago, she represented Indonesia along with seven others, to be part in the Global Information Technology Conference, held in South Korea. The Indonesian team received third prize for the eDesign Challenge.
'I feel independent and confident. I am the secretary for the program, and I also work as a shop manager in the center,' said Echi.
Siddam Hasim, 24, used to volunteer at the center before joining the project. Liaison officer for the program, Siddam is visually impaired. Similar to Echi, he was not born disabled. He lost his sight in a car accident.
'Joining Young Voices, I feel empowered to make a difference in society [...] I am more capable of doing things even with my disability,' said Siddam.
Siddam is Indonesia's first person with a disability to receive the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award for Young People. At present, there are 70 members in Young Voices Indonesia ' 35 each in Jakarta and Aceh.
'We want start a program in Bandung and Yogyakarta because research shows that the cities have larger numbers of student with a disability [...] but that depends on funding and resources,' said Petty.
At present, primary costs are covered by contributions from individuals and businesses in Jakarta. A small portion of the costs are covered by the sale of woodwork and handicraft items made by the center's residents. The Jakarta Post is one of the sponsors of the foundation.
As a longtime volunteer, Petty knows that there is stigma toward disabilities. The first change has to come within the society itself, she said.
'We need an inclusive society where everyone has equal rights and opportunities [...] many of the members still get bullied and discriminated against in their universities,' said Petty.
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The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Pos
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