Improving communication and leadership skills for Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) cadres is one of the important efforts in strengthening the role and capacity of the indigenous community. In order to achieve this goal, Pundi Sumatra, with the support of the ESTUNGKARA program, held Phase II communication training entitled "Self-Development Training with Communication and Leadership Skills" Leadership.” This event will take place for two days on May 24-25, 2024 at the Golden Sarolangun Hotel, Jambi.
This training is designed to equip SAD cadres with effective communication skills, increase their courage, and self-confidence. According to Arif, Pundi Sumatra facilitator, "From this capacity building, we hope that cadres can become more critical and brave in advocating for the rights of their community." Through this skill building, SAD cadres are expected to be more proactive in voicing the aspirations and needs of their community in various forums.
The event was attended by the Head of Batin VIII Sub-district, Mr. Ario L. Fajrin, S.IP, who gave encouragement and motivation to the participants. In his speech, he stated, “I really appreciate the desire of all my friends to participate in this training. To go from the village to the training room, it means that all of you want to change and be mentored.” This support shows the collaboration between the government and non-governmental organizations in supporting the empowerment of indigenous communities.
The training materials were carefully prepared to be relevant and easy to understand for the participants. Shafira Deiktya Emte, one of the speakers, revealed the challenges in preparing the training materials. "I tried to ensure that the materials presented were relevant and easy to understand for the participants. So the technique of delivering the training materials I made was in accordance with the cultural context and the specific needs of SAD cadres," she said.
The training method combines four main approaches: sharing sessions, lectures, discussions, and simulations. The communication skills material includes public speaking techniques, discussions, and effective communication ethics. Participants also learn strategies for expressing opinions, responding to questions, and dealing with differences of opinion in discussions. Simulations and direct practice are the main focus to ensure that participants can apply the theories taught.
As an indigenous community that often experiences limitations in all social aspects, Suku Anak Dalam often feels marginalized and has difficulty adapting to the outside world. This condition makes training like this very relevant and important. Pundi Sumatra hopes that through this training, SAD cadres can be more active and play a role in fighting for the rights of their community. As well as managing local organizations better.
With training that focuses on developing communication and leadership skills, SAD cadres are expected to become agents of change. They are able to bring their communities towards a better and more just life. Continued support from various parties, including the government and non-governmental organizations, will be very important. Ensuring the sustainability and success of this empowerment program.
