Harvest Time!

SOUTH BENGKULU (January 7, 2020) - The Bengkulu "Dharma Guna" Disability Center belonging to the Ministry of Social Affairs has formed two self-help groups for Persons with Mental Disabilities (PDM) or People With Mental Disorders (ODGJ) in South Bengkulu Regency.

The "Dharma Guna" Center assisted group is the result of the Center's innovation program, namely Independent Community Services for Mental Health (LAKON UTAMA). The group received intensive assistance from the Center for 2 months.

During this time, the “Dharma Guna” Disability Center provides various kinds of therapy (Physical, Psychosocial, Mental Spiritual and Medical Therapy), family support, then vocational training and entrepreneurship development, namely fisheries and animal husbandry.

Furthermore, the Center handed over the 2 target groups to be managed independently by the South Bengkulu Regency Social Office and remain monitored by the Center.

On Wednesday (6/1) the “Harapan” Fisheries Group harvested catfish as a result of the vocational activities that had been given. The Companions, Instructors and Community Work Teams who foster these groups never stop to always accompany them.

The catfish harvesting activity was also attended by the Acting Head of the South Bengkulu Regency Social Office, Didi Ruslan and his staff at the residence of Yudi, one of the group members whose house was used as a place for vocational training and fostering catfish entrepreneurship.

Didi Ruslan admitted that he was amazed by the PDM/ODGJ members of the fisheries group because they were able to actively participate in this entrepreneurship.

"We are also proud of the District Social Welfare Worker (TKSK) as companions, instructors and work teams who have worked hard to help PDM," he added

The crops will be sold and the sales scheme will be discussed jointly by members, companions, instructors and work teams.

The fish harvest has proven that even though it has not received intensive assistance from the "Dharma Guna" Center anymore, the South Bengkulu Regency Social Office still assist the fisheries groups by fostering and mentoring activities so that PDM/ODGJ in the community can live independently and earn income.