Education for All: When the Visually Impaired Need a Path, Not Just Intentions

Education is a right that should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of whether they are a person with a disability or not. On paper, access to education today appears to be increasingly open. Inclusive schools are growing in number, scholarships for people with disabilities are emerging, and discussions about disability-friendly education are becoming more frequent in various forums and social media. However, if we take a closer look at the reality on the ground, it turns out the situation is not that simple.

Many visually impaired friends across Indonesia still haven't received a proper education. It's not because they don't want to learn, nor is it because they lack the spirit to grow. The problem is often much more fundamental: they struggle to get information on how to access such education. Information about the nearest inclusive schools, how to register for equivalency programs, or even just places to learn Braille, often doesn't reach those who need it most.

Many visually impaired individuals also have to drop out of school midway due to vision loss, then find themselves confused about how to continue their education. There's no mentor to guide them, no clear information on where to start. As a result, the aspirations and dreams that are still burning bright slowly become difficult to achieve. Yet, the ambition to keep learning and growing persists, even though visual impairment presents its own daily challenges.

A Small Movement Born from Concern

It was from this concern that a community called School Sharing for the Blind emerged, attempting to initiate a new movement. A simple yet meaningful teaching and learning program that connects knowledge with visually impaired friends who have long struggled to access conventional education.

Today, this community does not yet possess formal legality and certification like typical educational institutions. However, the initiative of these young people, who voluntarily teach visually impaired friends across Indonesia, still deserves high appreciation. Amidst limited resources, they chose to act first, rather than waiting for a perfect system.

Interestingly, the teaching method they employ is also very simple and easily accessible. The learning process takes place online, simply through popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, which almost everyone is familiar with. No special applications, expensive devices, or heavy internet connections are needed. This simplicity, in fact, becomes a strength, as it makes the program reachable for visually impaired friends from various backgrounds and regions, including those living far from big cities.

It should also be noted that School Sharing for the Blind is one of Kartunet's partner communities, also collaborating with the InfiArtT community. This collaboration is a tangible manifestation of our spirit in supporting the education and empowerment ecosystem for visually impaired friends in Indonesia, while also extending the program's benefits to more Kartuneters and infiFriends.

Opening Doors for Volunteer Teachers

Currently, School Sharing for the Blind is still open to anyone who wishes to join as a teacher for visually impaired friends. The requirements are not stringent: be 16 years old or above, possess a good intention to share knowledge, commit to carrying out the teaching and learning process, and be open to various new insights that may emerge during the teaching process.

Indeed, no material compensation is offered by this program. However, isn't beneficial knowledge a far more valuable investment for the future — both for those who teach and those who are taught? The experience of sharing knowledge with visually impaired friends also opens up new perspectives that are difficult to gain from any university course or formal training. An invaluable investment, both from a humanitarian standpoint and for personal development.

How to Join

For Kartuneters interested in joining and sharing knowledge with visually impaired friends, please click the following link to register as a teacher:

👉 https://kartunet.com/u/schoolsharing

Meanwhile, for those who wish to register as students, you can directly contact the following WhatsApp number. This number is the official School Sharing for the Blind contact, also serving as the contact person (CP), so you can reach out directly to inquire about the program, study schedule, or registration process:

📱 0857-8366-1074

Education is indeed not something that can be solved overnight, especially for visually impaired friends who still face many access limitations. However, small movements like School Sharing for the Blind prove that big changes often start with simple steps: the intention to share, the courage to begin, and the consistency to keep going even if it's not yet perfect. Come on, be a part of this movement with Kartunet!

"Teaching is the best way to learn."

School sharing for the blind.

#Acceleration greetings