Training for Mentors for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Developing Entrepreneurship

SIGI (10 July 2020) - A total of 15 mentors for persons with intellectual disabilities from Sigi Regency attended entrepreneurship training organized by BRSPDI (Social Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) "Nipotowe" Palu. The training lasted for 3 days from 9-11 July 2020 at the BRSPDI "Nipotowe" Meeting Hall, Palu. According to Nureja Matangang as the head of the Social Rehabilitation Service Section of the "Nipotowe" Center, the mentors were tasked with assisting the entrepreneurial development of persons with intellectual disabilities through Family Support activities held in West Dolo District, Sigi Regency.

"The mentors for persons with intellectual disabilities are expected to have the capacity of knowledge and skills to assist 45 persons with intellectual disabilities and their families. Their active role contributes to the success of the service program, "explained Nureja.

Furthermore, Nureja said that the mentors were also expected to be an extension in advocating for local governments regarding the fulfillment of the rights and welfare of persons with intellectual disabilities. The mentors could facilitate the formation of forums or communities for persons with intellectual disabilities in their work areas. It would be better if the mentors could also encourage the community and government to establish a Social Welfare Institution for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Sigi Regency.

Rizkan Intjehatu as a speaker from the Sigi Regency Animal Husbandry Agency provided encouragement to mentors in assisting entrepreneurship. She said that one must have courage supported by technology in promoting sales, products mastery that had an appeal so that others wanted to buy goods or services being sold, smooth distribution networks, and regular suppliers, regular customers, and place for business.

The Micro-small-medium Enterprises (UMKM) Agency of Sigi Regency was also involved in this training. The UMKM Agency provided material on marketing and entrepreneurship strategies. Meanwhile, the material for strengthening and family support was delivered by Yulianingsih from BRSPDI "Nipotowe" Palu.

In his speech, Hanafi as the Head of the Administration Subdivision representing the Head of the Palu "Nipotowe" Center emphasized that the involvement of various parties, the community, the private sectors and the local government was very important in increasing the entrepreneurial development of persons with intellectual disabilities. "The more parties involved, the faster people with intellectual disabilities can access the services they need," he explained.