PACE Program in Pusat Rehabilitasi, Yakkum Indonesia
YAKKUM is an Indonesia-based non-government organisation working for people with disabilities.
YAKKUM aims to empower people with disability to reach optimal levels of independence physically, socially and financially while also empowering the community to accept and include those with disability.
The objectives that YAKKUM is currently working on are:
- Working with communities to raise awareness of the rights of people with disabilities.
- YAKKUM Rehabilitation Centre aims to provide comprehensive and holistic support to the people with work with.
- Becoming an organisation that is independent and sustainable so we can continue to support people with disabilities throughout Indonesia.
- Providing rehabilitation support to the victims of disasters.
PACE Program in Pusat Rehabilitasi YAKKUM
Find out about the experiences and learnings of past as PACE International students on activity with YAKKUM.
Previous PACE activities
Psychology
Students created a 50-page booklet translated in both Indonesian and English detailing mental health first aid strategies and individual long-term strategies to enhance wellbeing.
Health/Media
Students developed disability-inclusive activities to introduce and advocate disability issues, including developing media campaigns to promote income generation unit programs
Student experiences
Ashleigh Arkell
Q: What do you study and where did you go on your PACE International activity?
A: I study a Bachelor of Human Sciences, majoring in Public Health: Policy and Promotion with a minor in Language and Professional Communication- Yakkum, Indonesia
Q: What was your role or project at your host organisation?
A: I completed two projects. The first was to observe Yakkum's community education program, interview stakeholders and create a report with recommendations for improving the program. The second was to make a promotional video highlighting all of Yakkum's services and to provide photographs of the facilities that Yakkum could use for future promotional material.
Q: What attracted you to the PACE International program?
A: I was interested in completing my placement through PACE International because it looked exciting and challenging. It presented the opportunity to travel while studying and to learn how to think outside of the box in a completely unfamiliar context. It was also a great opportunity to distinguish myself from other graduates who will be applying for the same jobs as me one day.
Q: What advice would you give to a student who is thinking of applying for a PACE International activity?
A: Be brave and go for it. I was terrified to go, but I'm so glad that I did! Embrace being completely out of your comfort zone, because the more that you get involved and immerse yourself in the culture and the project, the more you will learn and the more you will grow as an individual.
Q: What was the best part of your PACE International experience?
A: There's so many! One of the best parts was seeing health promotion in action. One day, we visited disabled batik workers who are now employed as a result of Yakkum's vocational training program. This has provided these people with an income, social connections and allows them to participate in society - all of which will improve their health status in the long term.
Visiting the local elementary school to observe the education program was amazing. The kids were so excited and enthusiastic.
I also loved exploring the city, the temples and Mount Merapi on the weekends.
PACE Program - Pusat Rehabilitasi YAKKUM
Watch this video and learn about a group of Macquarie students who helped YAKKUM in the development of a module for assisting persons with psychosocial requirements.