After Training at Budi Perkasa Center, Three Persons with Disabilities Have Good Careers

PALEMBANG, MONDAY (16/01/2023) - Red t-shirt, with yellow accents on the cuffs.  Trousers, headscarf, and black shoes.  Observing her figure in front of the boarding room mirror, Arofiul Kafid's motivation continued to burn.  Yes, like the color of her shirt, bright red.

The 22-year-old girl walked steadily towards her workplace at Alfamart shop, Sukabangun Village, Sukarami District, Palembang City.  Here she earns her fortune, strengthens her heart, and organizes her career.

This woman with a disability has been working in this modern retail store since July 2022.  "Thank God we are well received here. The work environment is good and supportive," she said recently.

Rofi-- as she is usually called, spent her childhood in Batam.  After graduating from SMAN 16 Batam, she spent her time helping her father at her residence in
Duri Angka, Sungai Beduk District, Batam City.

Her fortunes turned around when local social service officers came to her house, in October 2020. Rofi was offered to take part in special training for persons with disabilities at Budi Perkasa Center in Palembang.

After getting her father's permission, Rofi processed the paperwork and flew to the city of Mpek-mpek, in March 2021. At Budi Perkasa Center, Rofi together with other persons with disabilities, Muhammad Luthfie Kusumaputra (20) took part in coaching.

In a different period, other persons with disabilities, Fitri Laila, also had the opportunity to follow coaching at Budi Perkasa Center.  This resident of Talang Bubuk, Plaju District, follows in Rofi's footsteps, working at Alfamart, in Plaju, near where she lives.

Rofi, Luthfie, and Fitri received the same services at Budi Perkasa Center.  In the morning, after breakfast, they attended the morning assembly.  Here they get motivation and mental strengthening, by companions.  From around 09.00 a.m. until noon they take part in computer training.

Leaving her homeland in Batam and living abroad in Palembang, at first, it was not easy for Rofi.  Now she cannot help her father who lives without her mother who has died.

"At the center, I received a good motivation. Some friends also took part in the training. My friends and I were guided patiently and with great care," said Rofi.

When met at a different location, Fitri said the same thing.  "The guidance of my parents at Budi Perkasa Center has made me want to be more independent. Not to burden my parents and instead want to lighten their burden," said Fitri.

Rofi's friend, Muhammad Luthfie, also felt the same way as his two colleagues.  Working at BPJS Health in Palembang City, Luthfie felt he received a lot of guidance while training at Budi Perkasa Center.

"Thank you for all the guidance, attention, and knowledge. I hope that more friends with disabilities will get the same opportunities like us," said the resident of Sukabangun Village, Sukarami District, Palembang City.

Referring to the direction of Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, Head of Budi Perkasa Center in Palembang, Wahyu Dewanto, stated that Ministry of Social Affairs through technical service units (UPT) such as centers provides the same access for persons with disabilities to develop economic independence.

"Through UPT such as Budi Perkasa Center, children like Rofi, Luthfie, and Fitri, are allowed to develop. According to the instructions of Minister of Social Affairs, persons with disabilities like the three of them have advantages on different sides," said Wahyu.

Following the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs, Budi Perkasa Center adopted a multi-service model for all types of social welfare service needs.