Since 2013 till present, CDRM&CDS has continued empowering people with disability through various project activities; regular meeting, annual meeting, trainings and supporting their livelihood programs. For improving skills of people with disability, ten (10) selected people with disabilities (PwDs) in Mentawai Island (6 persons) and Nias Island (4 persons) have attended intensively training course with CDRM&CDS support. Six (6) participants in Mentawai have took part in souvenirs production (necklace, bracelet, earring and ring) and handicraft production training (wood sculpture techniques) and intensively sewing course. And other 4 participants in Nias also have took part in intensively training course.
These projects have been benefited them as Rita Maria Sabelau, 28 years old, a mother with 2 children said “….in the past, due to my disability, I felt that half of my life opportunity has gone. But when I joined into CDRM&CDS project particularly in this intensively sewing course, my confidence has grown up. My life opportunities have come back. Now, although I have disability, I able to have a skill. I have able to sew my dress. After this training course finished, I have planned to start my tailor shop in my village”.
In Nias, Masleni Halawa, 27 years old, a girl with double disability (physical and low hearing) said” I have finished from Junior High School. Due to my disability and poor income of my parents, I cannot continue my study to Senior High School. Due to my disability, I helped my mother to do some working in the home; cooking, sweep, washing and taking care my sister and brother. ….when I met CDRM&CDS’ staffs, they encouraged my parent and me for attending intensively sewing course. In the first time, my parent and I felt worry because I should go to outside of my sub village for attending course. But CDRM&CDS’ staffs always have encouraged my parent and me. Finally, my parent and I agreed for attending intensively sewing course for 4 months with CDRM&CDS support,” she told her struggle for attending intensively sewing course.
“Now, thanks for CDRM&CDS and donor. I have finished my course. I have able to sew various dress (women’s blouse, dress). I have a skill for sewing. I have started my business in my sub village. My parent also has happy with my skills”, she added with happy.
Written by Nelson Sinaga, Program Manager