Commemorating International Sign Language Day, Abiseka Holds Coffee Gathering with Deaf Community

PEKANBARU (September 28^th, 2024) - In commemoration of International Sign Language Day 2024, Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) through Abiseka Center in Pekanbaru held an event titled "Coffee Gathering with Deaf Community" in the courtyard of the ATENSI Creative Center (SKA) on Saturday, September 28^th, 2024.

This event was attended by the Secretary of Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation, Salahuddin, the Secretary of Riau Provincial Social Office, the Head of Indonesian Sharia Bank (BSI) Rumbai Branch Office, and several MoSA’s partners in Riau.

On this occasion, the Head of Abiseka Center in Pekanbaru, Ema Widiati, stated that 21 persons with hearing and speech disabilities received barista training. They were ready to serve visitors at Isyarat Coffee Cafe located in SKA Sentra Abiseka in Pekanbaru.

On the other hand, the Secretary of Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation Salahuddin appreciated the training activities organized by Abiseka Center. He also requested that the center's human resources provide other training variations, such as making sandals or vocational training encouraging people with disabilities to work and achieve independent income.

"I see that Abiseka Center’s partners are very extraordinary. Maybe the head of the center, with the help of the social office, could provide ongoing training other than barista skills so that they can develop. Like in Bali, you can work with Krisna, or at other centers that collaborate with Halo BCA," Salahuddin said after pinning an apron and certificate on the representative of the barista training participants.

The head of Toffin Coffee Pekanbaru Herman expressed his happiness to be invited and collaborate again in barista training for the hearing-impaired, having previously trained children in conflict with the law. He continued by saying that you’re their story was very inspiring, showing strength of spirit and determination.

"Turn limitations into extraordinary strengths. This is also relevant to the principles we uphold in empowerment, especially for persons with disabilities, that weaknesses or shortcomings are not obstacles. They can become unique sources of strength if well-managed," Herman concluded.