Art Therapy Increasingly In Demand, "Nipotowe" Center Facilitates Marketing of Disability Products

SIGI (6 August 2021) - In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not easy for persons with disabilities to struggle to adjust and meet the demands of life. The Ministry of Social Affairs through Social Rehabilitation Center “Nipotowe” Palu continues to intensify efforts so that the Social Welfare Service Recipients (PPKS) can carry out its social functions using a family, community, and/or residential-based approach through the Social Rehabilitation Assistance Program (ATENSI).

To improve the social functioning of PPKS, Nipotowe Center uses Art Therapy in providing ATENSI services to residential-based beneficiaries. The Art Therapy method can reduce stress, provide peace and also have an artistic value that can be marketed through various media such as tote bags, tumblers, t-shirts, and so on.

Through Art Therapy, PPKS can be helped in meeting their needs because all the profits from the sale are handed over to them, including persons with disabilities who are being fostered at Nipotowe Center.

"Our nature is only to facilitate so that their work can be known and get recognition from the community," said Syaiful Samad as the Head of the Palu Nipotowe Center.

Syaiful gave an example that in every social media of Nipotowe Center and the Ministry of Social Affairs, the work of PPKS is always promoted, including to local stakeholders.

"This month, we received orders from Bank Mandiri for 100 tote bags, which are the work of Art Therapy from persons with disabilities assisted by Nipotowe Center," said Syaiful.

Syaiful hopes that families with disabilities can continue to nurture their children through Art Therapy even if only at home.

"Even if it's just at home because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but if families encourage persons with disabilities to be creative, they can be empowered. We will help to market their work," said Syaiful.

With ATENSI Creation Center (SKA) Nipotowe on Jalan Guru Tua No. 26 Kalukubula which will be launched on 17 August, Syaiful hopes that PPKS can continue to be creative and the results can be sold through SKA Nipotowe.