20 November 2021. “Sipakatau” is a group of young people in Gowa, South Sulawesi who are affected by leprosy and who have been guided and trained in a 2-year project by PerMaTa South Sulawesi / YDTI to become agents of change in their communities. They are now in a new project supported by VOICE Indonesia the moderators and coaches for a new group of young people affected by leprosy: Pakarena.
Sipakatau was able to encourage 11 young men and women to join a first workshop from 19-21 November 2021 in the mountains of Malino, South Sulawesi. The meeting took place in a rented house, where they cooked and ate together and shared stories and experiences, while rain and fog spread outside.
The Sipakatau team had prepared and practiced the work program for the three days, but were quite nervous to stand in front of the participants and talk. Our management team was there to motivate, encourage and intervene when the moderation got a little out of hand. All in all, they did a wonderful job and gained invaluable experience that will help them keep improving next time.
It was the first time for the 11 participants from Pakarena to take part in a PerMaTa activity and to talk to their peers about leprosy.
There were several young people who were only 15 years old, they were very shy but dared to speak and participate.
At least two in the group have disabilities, many of them never finished school or had to give up their jobs because of leprosy. We hope to involve the young people in many activities over the next 2 years where they can realise their abilities and their value by helping others in the community, where they make many new friends within PerMaTa, and help to end stigma and discrimination!
