"The negative stigma against people with Down Syndrome that they cannot live independently is very wrong," Sachrudin stated at Karang Tengah District, Tangerang City, during the commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day on Monday.
In fact, several children with special needs could grow well, be independent, and work by themselves, he pointed out. This could happen with the support of parents, family, and the community.
He thanked a brand for conducting a training for students of the Sang Timur Special Needs School.
Such effort was a proof of collaboration in providing equal opportunities to children with special needs to get their rights of knowledge, education, and skills, he remarked.
Sachrudin further revealed that the Tangerang City Government, through the Education Office, also continuously strove to provide equal assistance and education to all children in Tangerang City, especially to children with special needs, including by implementing Inclusive School education.
Currently, there are 51 inclusive schools in Tangerang City, including 47 Inclusive Elementary Schools and four Inclusive Middle Schools.
"We continue to monitor the implementation of inclusive schools, so that the benefits are tangible to everyone. Hopefully, this activity would facilitate the talents of our beloved sons and daughters, especially in the terms of culinary arts and entrepreneurship," he stressed.
Head of Public Relations of the Bogasari Division, Rudianto Pangaribuan, expected that the training can provide some additional skills to children with special needs.
"Hopefully, they would become more empowered and confident of themselves that they can also be like other children and can even become entrepreneurs," he stated.
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Translator: Achmad Irfan, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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