UNU Jogja Management Students Launch Inclusive Inspire to Support the Development of Children with Disabilities

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Students from the Management Study Program at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) organized the Inclusive Inspire program at Bina Remaja Donoharjo YPKBR Orphanage on Monday, July 13. The initiative was carried out as part of the Strategic Management and Corporate and Social Organizational Behaviour courses, integrating academic learning with community engagement.

Salsabila, lecturer for the Strategic Management and Corporate and Social Organizational Behaviour courses, explained that Inclusive Inspire was designed to provide students with practical experience in applying strategic management concepts to address real challenges in the community.

"Through this program, students learn how to develop strategies based on community needs, build collaborations, manage program implementation, and evaluate its impact. We hope they will not only master theoretical concepts in the classroom but also develop social awareness, teamwork skills, and hands-on experience in creating meaningful solutions for society," she said. 

The Inclusive Inspire team consisted of Management students Yuyun Apriani, Yunita Nurma H., Naili Izzatin N., Eva Rifqi M., Nur Laili Quthrotun N., Dian Ayu M., Qarint Najwa, Afrizal Wafdau R., Robitul Abror, Sultan Faiz F., and Widyastuti Dwi R. The program was also supported by volunteers from the Centre for GEDSI at UNU Jogja.

Project leader Yuyun Apriani explained that Bina Remaja Donoharjo YPKBR Orphanage was selected because it provides a safe environment, adequate basic facilities, and a strong sense of family among the children and caregivers. The orphanage also supports access to education through a Special Needs School (SLB) and offers creative activities such as coloring, beading, and decorating simple crafts according to the children's abilities.

However, Yuyun noted that the orphanage still faces several challenges in maximizing the children's potential. These include limited skills development programs, insufficient therapy facilities that meet the children's evolving needs, and a shortage of caregivers compared to the level of support required. In addition, the orphanage relies heavily on donations to sustain its daily operations, maintain its facilities, and support the welfare of its caregivers.

"These conditions highlight the need for collaborative support that goes beyond meeting operational needs by providing programs that help develop the abilities and self-confidence of children with disabilities," she explained. 

Through Inclusive Inspire, the students organized a series of creative, interactive, and inclusive activities aimed at enhancing the children's motor skills, creativity, social interaction, and self-confidence.

The program also served as a practical learning platform for students to apply strategic management principles throughout the planning, implementation, and evaluation stages while strengthening organizational behaviour competencies through collaboration with various stakeholders.

The team hopes that Inclusive Inspire will create sustainable benefits for Bina Remaja Donoharjo YPKBR Orphanage, its children, and the student participants, reflecting UNU Jogja's commitment to community engagement based on inclusivity, social responsibility, and empowerment. [Latifah]