Entrepreneurship Skills Development Program for Persons with Disabilities – PLN UIW NTT

PLN UIW NTT, in collaboration with the Community Care Network (CCN) Foundation / Yayasan Jaringan Peduli Masyarakat (JPM) and the Nian Sikka Disability Forum (FORSADIKA), organized an entrepreneurship skills training program for persons with disabilities. The activity was conducted on 26–27 July 2022 at Permatasari Hotel, Maumere, Sikka Regency, and was attended by 20 persons with disabilities from various sub-districts in Sikka. The participants were divided into two groups based on the type of skills training provided. Five participants joined the fashion and sewing skills training, while the remaining fifteen participants took part in culinary skills training, focusing on the production of various types of cakes. The opening ceremony of the training was attended by the Head of the Sikka Regency Social Affairs Office, Drs. Rudolfus Ali, MSi, the Manager of PLN East Flores Area, Agung Wibowo, and the Chairperson of FORSADIKA. They delivered opening remarks and provided motivation to encourage participants to utilize the skills gained to improve their quality of life and economic well-being.

In addition to the training sessions, participants also received equipment to support their future business activities. Participants in the fashion and sewing training received sewing equipment packages intended to help them start businesses in the sewing sector. The sewing skills training participants received five sewing equipment packages consisting of sewing tables with Singer machines, nylon overlock thread, cotton overlock thread, cotton fabric, Singer needles, zippers, buttons, scissors, measuring rulers, and other essential sewing tools. Meanwhile, participants in the culinary skills training received fifteen equipment packages comprising 20 items, including stand mixers, molds for dry and wet cakes, round and rectangular baking pans, gas ovens, frying pans and cooking utensils, plastic sealing machines, strainers, woks, pots, baking paper, piping bags, paper bags, and mixing bowls. Additional items were also provided, such as turntables, cake knives, paper bags, aluminum foil, and rolling pins. During the training, materials required for sewing and cake-making practices were also purchased and provided, allowing participants to directly practice the skills they learned. All training participants stayed at Permatasari Hotel throughout the duration of the activity.