Efforts to build more resilient and inclusive communities continue, including through the Disability Group Management and Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Training. This activity aims to strengthen the capacity of disability groups in villages supported in Surakarta and Sukoharjo to manage their organizations effectively, while also bolstering their preparedness for various potential disasters in the surrounding environment. The training invited members of Disability People's Organizations (DPOs) in the Surakarta and Sukoharjo areas to serve as facilitators, sharing their organizational experience and knowledge related to disaster risk reduction.
In the group management session, participants received materials on the importance of forming groups for persons with disabilities, as well as the principles and structures that a group should have. The training also served as a milestone for the formation of disability groups in several villages, including Laban Village, Gadingan Village, Sangkrah Village, and Jebres Village. The group formation process included agreeing on group names, as follows:
- Cahaya Gemilang (Disability Group of Gadingan Village)
- Laban Disabilitas Bersinar (Disability Group of Laban Village)
- Sangkrah Sehat dan Sejahtera (Disability Group of Sangkrah Village)
- DifaJemari (Disability Group of Jebres Village)
In Tegalmade Village and Joyotakan Village, disability groups had already been established previously. Therefore, this capacity strengthening is expected to support the sustainability of these groups as spaces for learning, sharing experiences, and developing members' potential. In addition, the training also resulted in an agreed-upon governance structure for the groups, generally consisting of a chairperson, deputy chairperson, secretary, and treasurer, along with the core duties and functions associated with each position. Notably, the criteria for the chairperson require that the role be held by a person with a disability, in order to promote disability leadership within the community.
As a form of commitment to the group, participants also developed their group's vision and mission. The formation of these groups is intended to serve as a platform for persons with disabilities in villages to exchange information and knowledge, particularly related to disaster preparedness. Furthermore, it is hoped that the groups will continue to grow together, enabling them to advocate for the needs of persons with disabilities in achieving inclusive early warning response actions. YEU also continues to encourage these groups to gain formal recognition from their respective village governments, particularly through the issuance of an official group decree.
Meanwhile, in the Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction session, participants were invited to understand the importance of ensuring that all community groups—including persons with disabilities—are involved in the planning and implementation of disaster preparedness. Topics covered included the distinction between hazards and disasters, the various phases of the disaster cycle, and the mapping of risks, capacities, and vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities in their local environments.
Activities were conducted in a participatory manner through group discussions, case studies, and experience-sharing sessions. This approach enabled participants to learn from good practices carried out in their respective communities while collectively identifying solutions to the various challenges they face.
Through this training, it is hoped that disability groups will become increasingly empowered and play an active role in inclusive disaster risk reduction. The capacities gained will not only benefit group members themselves, but can also be applied to support their families and communities in facing various disaster risks.