for immediate release
Adapting Conscious Communication for the D/deaf community is not an easy feat. EFY combines heads and hearts with Silang.id to study, refine learning materials and produce pilot workshops in Jakarta, starting this January, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Breaking Barriers: Empathy for Youth Academy and Silang.id Collaborate to Make Conscious Communication Accessible to Indonesia’s D/Deaf Community
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – December 9, 2024
Empathy for Youth Academy (EFY) and Jakarta-based Silang.id are joining forces to launch an initiative that adapts Komunikasi Penuh Sadar (Conscious Communication) into Bahasa Isyarat Indonesia (BISINDO). This collaboration aims to provide the D/deaf community in Indonesia with tools for meaningful connection, conflict resolution, and personal growth.
Why This Initiative Matters
Communication is about more than words—it’s about fostering understanding and empathy. However, D/deaf communities often face challenges in accessing resources that are inclusive of their unique needs. This project seeks to close that gap, offering workshops tailored to empower participants with skills for Conscious Communication in a way that respects their language, culture, and learning styles.
Reflections from the Field
“My first experience training the D/deaf community felt like I was thrown into unfamiliar territory,”
said Azzad Mahdzir, co-founder of EFY, reflecting on his training the first D/deaf group, the Rainbow Deaf Education in Kuala Lumpur.
“It was akin to visiting a different country, with its own language, culture, and worldview. I realized that it wasn’t just my lack of sign language skills that created barriers but also a deeper lack of understanding of how the D/deaf community learns and the support they need. Each individual is unique, with different levels of education, cognitive abilities, skills, and preferences.”
This insight inspired EFY and Silang.id to collaborate, ensuring that the workshops are not only linguistically accessible but also aligned with the diverse needs of the D/deaf community.
A Collaborative Effort
In September 2024, EFY introduced Ngomong Apa Loe?!, a Conscious Communication workshop, in Jakarta. Among the participants were Silang.id’s founders, Ahmad Yusuf and Hadi Ismawan, whose enthusiasm sparked the idea for this initiative. Starting in January 2025, EFY and Silang.id will run pilot workshops in Jakarta, adapting and refining materials to ensure they are impactful and inclusive.
Looking to the Future
This partnership is just the beginning. Once the workshops are established in Indonesia, the program will expand to Malaysia and potentially other Southeast Asian countries, creating a regional impact. The initiative is not only about communication—it’s about building bridges between communities and fostering empathy across barriers.
Call for Support
EFY and Silang.id are seeking funding to sustain and grow this initiative. Your support can help:
Join Us in Creating Change
This collaboration is a step toward a more inclusive future where everyone has the opportunity to connect and thrive. By supporting this initiative, you’ll play a vital role in empowering individuals and communities.
For more information or to pledge your support, please contact:
Azzad Mahdzir
Empathy for Youth Academy
Email: azzad.mahdzir@gmail.com
Phone: +6017-349-2805
Together, let’s break barriers and create a world where every voice is heard and valued.
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