Eye-Opening Stories From ABILITAS.ID Volunteers

By Christie Pardede

During the month of June 2020, ABILITAS.ID has visited four different special schools in West and East Lombok, Indonesia. We were there to donate food reliefs, school facilities (such as printers, projectors, and papers), and to help with light renovation at the school, including building a goalie at the school’s soccer field because students at the school love to play soccer! This week we want to share a short interview we did with two of our program volunteers, Sylvia Rizki Handayani (right picture) and Ratu Ayu Ngurah Ciptaning Dewi (left picture) about their experiences in ABILITAS.ID.

Sylvia (22) is currently helping ABILITAS.ID as a Program Secretary and MC, while Cipta (22) is our General Treasurer. Both Sylvia and Cipta have been part of ABILITAS.ID since the beginning of Lombok Project.

            When we asked them about how the volunteer experience changed the way they view the communities with disabilities or we would prefer to call them diffabled (differently-abled) communities, Sylvia said “[The students were] very friendly and humble. They’re also very independent, smart and talented, so amazing!” Cipta, a Lombok native, was happy that she got to learn about the diffabled communities through our program. She said, “I never knew that there are so many schools available for diffabled kids especially in my hometown, Lombok. These kids were so fun to be around and so cheerful. They have a lot of limitations, but God is fair because He gave them other talents that make them incredibly special.”

“They have a lot of limitations, but God is fair because He gave them other talents that make them incredibly special.”

We asked both of them what have been the most valuable experience from volunteering and both ladies agreed that the experience had been not only eye opening but also humbling. “The experience of being part of ABILITAS.ID opened my eyes wider to the world I live in. It taught me to be grateful. We cannot complain because we have been gifted with a normal physical condition, lacking no physical ability,” said Cipta.

Sylvia continued, “I believe we are a capable generation with something special to contribute to Indonesia. I realized we are all in charge of our destiny; hence, our limitations are no longer a reason to stop us from being productive and innovative. I’m humbled by [the students] who are always showing gratitude and the special talents that they have.” Cipta also mentioned that the Government needs to do more for these students, who are often overlooked due to their physical limitation and the social stigma attached to their condition, by providing proper education facilities for them to learn and develop themselves so they can showcase their talents to the world. And as for the teachers at the school, Cipta had this to say, “I don’t know what these teachers’ hearts are made out of, [they are] more expensive than diamond!”

Lastly, we asked both Sylvia and Cipta if they have any last words to share to the students at SLB A YPTN. “You are all amazing with your own individual talents. An able-bodied person may not necessarily be able to do what you do. You must be immensely proud of yourselves and be thankful for who you are, wholly,” our volunteer, Cipta, said with a bright smile on her face. “We all live with limitations, but all of us have something that makes us special. Me, you, and all of us hold the ultimate control in our lives. I am optimistic that we can all achieve our dreams and goals [in life],” said Sylvia.

ABILITAS.ID consists of a team of volunteers from varying age groups and backgrounds with the same heart of wanting to give back to the larger community, in this case, the diffabled community. Our programs would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers; as well as, the financial support we continue to receive from our sponsors. The program we ran at SLB A YPTN was made possible from our joint fundraising with Jessica Tanoesoedibjo for her 26th birthday themed #beginningofhope. However, it is not about how big or how small the contribution is. Every contribution matters. So, whoever you are, wherever you are, thank you for always supporting us!