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Ministry of Social Empowers PLHIV to Contribute in the Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Ministry of Social Empowers PLHIV to Contribute in the Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic
  • 16300113222814
  • 16300113248366

Writer :
Loka Karya Pangurangi
Editor :
Intan Qonita N
Translator :
Karlina Irsalyana

MAKASSAR (August 24, 2021) - The Ministry of Social Affairs through the Social Rehabilitation Center "Pangurangi" Takalar empowers beneficiaries who are Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to contribute to the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic through the production of cloth masks.

 

Following the instructions of the Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Tri Rismaharini, all beneficiaries and former beneficiaries in the Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) of the Ministry of Social Affairs should be empowered so that they can earn income while helping to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The cloth masks and sewing machines used by the beneficiaries are assistance from the Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) from the Ministry of Social Affairs through the Takalar "Pangurangi" Center for beneficiaries and former beneficiaries who have participated in sewing vocational skills.

 

The cloth masks produced by the beneficiaries of the "Pangurangi" Takalar have a three-dimensional design made of cotton fabric and consist of 3 layers which are comfortable to use and have a better filter. The use of cloth masks is very important amid the increasingly contagious Coronavirus mutation as additional protection for the outer layer of medical masks used.

 

A total of 500 pieces of masks that have been sewn by the skilled hands of the beneficiaries are then distributed to representatives of the Social Welfare Institutions (LKS) assisting ODHIV in Makassar City, namely the South Sulawesi Peduli Group Care Foundation (YPKDS Sul-Sel) and the Gaya Celebes Foundation (YGC Makassar).

 

LKS then distributed these cloth masks to peer mentors, members, and assistants at YPKDS Sul-Sel and YGC. "We are very happy to get cloth masks from the Ministry of Social Affairs, especially since this is the work of friends of ODHIV beneficiaries, which turned out to be of very good quality and comfortable to use," said Rachman Rahim as Director of YPKDS Sul-Sel.

 

Akbar Halim, Chairman of YGC also appreciated the cloth masks made by the beneficiaries of the Pangurangi Workshop in Takalar, "These cloth masks can be an additional self-protection for us who are still working in the field every day to reach the HIV/AIDS key population in the midst of a pandemic. We will also distribute these masks for our assistance so that they can help implement better health protocols," explained Akbar.

The masks that have been produced by the beneficiaries and former beneficiaries were purchased by the Ministry of Social Affairs through a grant for Rp. 6.000,- per sheet. The proceeds from the sale of the cloth masks will then be transferred directly to the beneficiary's account according to the number of cloth masks produced. It is hoped that from the sale of these cloth masks, the beneficiaries can continue the production of various other sewing products so that they can be sustainable as productive businesses.

“I am very happy and proud, Pangurangi Center has trained and provided a sewing machine assistance to us, also opened up opportunities for us to make money during the pandemic through the production of cloth masks. Hopefully, our business can continue to be better in the future," concluded "K", one of the former beneficiaries who produced cloth masks.

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