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| Fakultas Psikologi (Fapsi) Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) sukses menyelenggarakan kegiatan capacity building untuk keterampilan layanan psikologi (Foto : Humas UMM) |
The Psychology Faculty (Fapsi) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) successfully conducted a capacity-building activity for psychological service skills from September 5 to 7, 2024. In collaboration with the Malang City Health and Social Services Departments, Fapsi UMM aimed to enhance the skills of posyandu (integrated health service posts) cadres in addressing Children with Special Needs (ABK). This program is a crucial initiative in establishing posyandu for ABK focused on intervention and care for children with special needs, both at the group, community, and individual levels.
During the three-day event, the cadres received intensive training on how to approach and intervene with ABK. Ni’matuzahroh, S.Psi., M.Si., Ph.D., the head of the committee, explained that the agenda was vital for preparing posyandu cadres to engage effectively with ABK. "We hope that after this training, the cadres will no longer feel confused when handling ABK in the field," she stated.
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One of the topics covered in the training was psychological intervention techniques that can be applied to ABK at various levels, from individual to community. The cadres were also taught how to manage common situations encountered when dealing with ABK, such as communication difficulties and aggressive behavior. This training aimed to equip the cadres to face ABK with appropriate approaches and empathy.
In addition to training on handling ABK, the event emphasized the importance of sustainable programs to be implemented by each posyandu. The cadres were encouraged to develop program plans for the upcoming year. Some posyandu created programs in collaboration with the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) and conducted outreach to local residents to raise broader awareness about ABK. Additionally, some cadres initiated partnerships with local district heads to secure formal funding for ongoing activities.
"We want to ensure that the programs designed by the posyandu cadres can be effectively implemented and positively impact children with children with special needs," Zahroh, who is also a lecturer at Fapsi UMM, explained.
Several innovative programs developed by the posyandu involve engaging ABK in craft-making activities. This aims to enhance their skills and prepare ABK for future careers. "We will conduct regular monitoring of these programs in collaboration with psychologists from the faculty, the Health Department, and the Malang City Social Services Department to ensure everything goes according to plan," she clarified.
Furthermore, Zahroh emphasized that collaboration with various parties will continue to be expanded to support the sustainability of this program. "In the future, we will collaborate with Health Service Centers (PLK), physiotherapists, and doctors with in-depth understanding of ABK conditions. This way, the handling process can be more comprehensive," she said.
In the future, the Psychology Faculty of UMM is committed to supporting activities that improve service quality for ABK in Malang City and its surroundings. "We hope this activity can inspire other posyandu across Indonesia to be more caring towards ABK," Zahroh concluded. (Ri/Wil/Fajr)
