“I wish I could be helpful to others. I don’t want to burden them with my challenges.”
Muqit (15) is an 11th-grade student with physical disabilities attending a special school in West Java. Aware of of his physical condition, Muqit’s interest in graphic design persists. Although he feels challenges in coordinating his hand movements, he takes joy in creating many various visual designs.
His creations have successfully earned recognition for the school. In addition, Muqit is now actively contributing to his family’s coffee business by making visual designs for marketing, both on social media and e-commerce platforms.
Muqit’s journey to become an active and creative teenager as he’s now has never been easy. In the past, he struggled with self-confidence and was a socially shy child. At one point, Muqit even expressed his unwillingness to interact with others.
Recognizing Muqit’s situation, the teachers at his school suggested that he participate in the Skills to Succeed (S2S) Program by Save the Children. Through this program, Muqit received guidance from teachers and staff from Yayasan Ibu to learn in the Employability Program. While engaged in this program, Muqit acquired soft skills such as self-introduction, effective communication, and stress management.
“Through the S2S program, I learned to recognize my potential and myself. I also learned how to manage my stress,” expressed Muqit.
Since joining the program in 2021, Muqit has started to understand and accept his condition. Muqit, who used to be reserved, has become more open and courageous in expressing his interest in graphic design. He then learned about graphic design from his sibling who is studying art. Gradually, Muqit began to try learning to control his hand movements on the computer mouse. Seeing Muqit finding inspiration, his family began providing a lot of support. His father was deeply moved by Muqit’s progress and made efforts to meet Muqit’s needs according to his potential.
“Alhamdulillah, after engaging in this program, Muqit has rediscovered his motivation. Previously, he did not want to continue school, but now he is willing and making an effort to find a university. Muqit also contributes new ideas for my coffee business. He created a new logo, designed posters for marketing purposes, and posted them on Instagram and e-commerce,” explained Muqit’s father.
After gaining self-confidence, Muqit also joined the Youth-led Innovation Lab Inclusive (YIL Inclusive) organized by Save the Children. In this program, children and young people with disabilities are trained and mentored in creating environmentally friendly business ideas. Here, Muqit showcased his abilities in interacting and presenting in public. He is no longer hesitant to express his opinions and exhibit his design creations.
“Certainly, I feel nervous meeting many new people, but I enjoy participating in the activities and even won the first place,” expressed Muqit.
Through the Skills to Succeed (S2S) Program, Save the Children, in partnership with Yayasan Ibu, guides children and young people aged 12-24, including those with disabilities, in preparing for the workforce. Specifically designed for the age group of 12-16, participants receive materials on pre-employment readiness, where they learn about self-awareness and their potential. The program also supports participants with opportunities to refine their skills and expand their networks to succeed in seizing new economic opportunities.
“Don’t discriminate them. Instead, recognize their potential. In fact, many friends with disabilities also have significant potential for the country,” Muqit emphasized. •