“If something spills, I clean it up and apologize. Just be patient. Keep it up!” said Viona* in sign language, interpreted by her companion.
Viona is a 21-year-old youth with hearing loss. She interned at a restaurant through the Skills to Succeed job readiness project, implemented by Save the Children Indonesia and IBU Foundation.
Viona believes that people with hearing loss should not feel ashamed and afraid. She often teaches her friends sign language so they can communicate with each other. She also cheers them up.
From her words and actions, it’s clear that Viona is a girl who never gives up. She earned a salary during her internship and used it to cover her daily needs. As the result, she never had to asked her parents for money.
While working at the restaurant, Viona trained herself to memorize the entire menu, check orders for the accuracy , remember customers’ seats, and more.
“I write down anything missing from the order. I also double-check to make sure that the order is correct. I’ve learned how to differenciate glasses for coffee and juice – big glass and small glass. I pay close attention and take notes,” explained Viona.
During her internship, she did not face any major obstacle. Although she sometimes got home late because she had to wait to be picked up, she remained enthusiastic.
“I have to stay motivated; it is just a small issue for me. I’m never afraid of getting home late. If my teacher has not picked me up, I wait until evening. While waiting, I keep working,” said Viona.
Her experience working and interacting with many people made her more comfortable communicating with others. She believes that working is far better than staying at home.
Viona also set aside some of her earnings. She keeps a passbook to record her income. If she secures a stable job, she plans to complete her postponed studies.
*) Name has been changed for safeguarding reasons.