The Karya Salemba Empat Foundation at UGM (KSE UGM) and the YAKKUM Rehabilitation Center (PRYAKKUM) have inaugurated Cupable Coffee in Sleman, Yogyakarta. Cupable Coffee is a business unit operating under the YAKKUM 2 Rehabilitation Center.
Beyond serving as a coffee shop, Cupable Coffee embodies a haven for empowering individuals with disabilities, aptly named Cups for Empowering Disabled People.
“The theme of the Cupable Coffee inauguration is Real Action for People with Disabilities, Realizing Their Dreams. We aim for it to instill a sense of unity within the broader community,” remarked Juanita Theodora, Advisor and Representative of the Give2Asia Foundation, a key funding partner, on Saturday (Feb. 24).
She highlighted the potential for this venture to pioneer a new model in cafe management and praised the proactive involvement of the KSE Youth Generation in driving Cupable Coffee forward.
“Thank you for empowering people with disabilities by establishing Cupable Coffee. We hope that the model developed here will serve as a beacon for similar initiatives elsewhere,” she added.
Chatarina Sari, Director of PRYAKKUM, underscored that the coffee shop offers job opportunities in cafe management and paves the way for involvement in various other business ventures for people with disabilities.
“We have provided diverse training programs, including inclusive barista training, for individuals with disabilities. Many graduates have honed their skills, enabling them to deliver quality services in cafes and street food stalls, with some even becoming coffee distributors. They recognize entrepreneurial prospects,” she noted.
Hengki Purwo Widagdo, Secretary 1 and Chief Operating Officer of KSE UGM expressed gratitude for the inauguration of Cupable Coffee, emphasizing its role in fostering an understanding of social issues and community conditions among scholarship recipients.
He extended heartfelt thanks to the KSE scholarship recipients who contributed to the inauguration of Cupable Coffee. This project has been in the making for two years.
“Through YAKKUM, we were introduced to a waste bank in Kulon Progo managed by friends with disabilities, aligning with our ethos of prioritizing the spirit of sharing,” remarked Widagdo.
Budhi Wibowo, Head of the Social Rehabilitation Division at the Yogyakarta Social Services Office, reiterated the office’s full support for Cupable Coffee’s endeavors, expressing hope that the spirit of empowerment will continue to thrive among individuals with disabilities.
“What we’re undertaking is a genuine effort in actualizing empowerment. We collaborate with individuals with disabilities, not for disabilities. They are presented with opportunities,” he affirmed.
Budhi Wibowo acknowledged that these opportunities weren’t handed out easily; individuals had to demonstrate their capabilities to dispel misconceptions surrounding their abilities.
Cupable Coffee has actively participated in Indonesia’s coffee landscape since 2017, advocating for the rights and empowerment of individuals with disabilities, particularly regarding employment opportunities, thus ensuring equal access to work without prejudice.
Eko, a deaf barista at Cupable Coffee, shared numerous captivating experiences from his tenure. With five years of experience as a barista, he has engaged in countless interactions with cafe visitors.
“At first, visitors may be taken aback or uncertain when encountering individuals with disabilities. However, after a few conversations, they become accustomed to it, and we’ve even shifted their perspectives,” revealed Eko.
Based on his journey, he harbors aspirations for his peers with disabilities. He urges them to persevere in their pursuit of dreams and aspirations.
“To my friends, especially those with disabilities, I encourage you to continue striving for your dreams and aspirations. Dedicate yourself to your studies. Be confident in your endeavors and embrace learning sincerely; it will undoubtedly be rewarding despite the challenges,” shared Eko.
Karya Salemba Empat is a scholarship foundation catering to students across various universities. The KSE UGM association is among the beneficiaries of scholarships from the foundation.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photo: Suara.com