BANDUNG, JULY 22, 2024. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) is once again organizing a series of training programs to enhance digital skills for people with disabilities. Apart from the Disability Islamic Boarding School training, XL Axiata has also prepared additional sessions aimed at preparing individuals with disabilities for the workforce. Notably, in September 2024, XL Axiata will launch an internship program specifically for people with disabilities.
Chief Corporate Affairs of XL Axiata, Marwan O Baasir, stated, "We recognize that many people with disabilities lack sufficient support to develop adequate skills, especially given the increasing competition in the industry. Therefore, XL Axiata is dedicated to implementing various programs aligned with the Social Development Goals (SDGs) principles, particularly those related to providing quality education and promoting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all."
Marwan further explained that to ensure the success of the internship program, XL Axiata's management will create an inclusive work environment for interns with disabilities. As part of this effort, training sessions will be held to educate XL Axiata employees on how to interact appropriately with their colleagues with disabilities who are doing internships. This training will cover topics such as proper interaction ethics with people with disabilities. By providing a supportive work environment, the internship program aims to achieve optimal results and #JadiLebihBaik.
Disability Islamic Boarding School
With the theme "Digital Philanthropy for Disabilities," the Disability Islamic Boarding School Program took place in Bandung from July 20-21, 2024, at Rumah Quran Isyaroh. The event gathered 38 participants, including teachers and students with hearing impairments, who engaged in training sessions on digital audiovisual content production, digital-based public communication, and philanthropic digital literacy. The trainers included collaborative partners from local communities and professionals sharing XL Axiata's commitment to advancing people with disabilities, such as the Benihbaik Foundation, Bloggercrony Community, and AnakBrand Agency.
Participants were taught to enhance and utilize existing facilities. The literacy skills of students with hearing impairments are significantly influenced by the learning patterns used, such as interactions with friends at school, response techniques, and sensitivity to available learning tools. These skills are crucial for preparing them for an inclusive environment.
The digital literacy training provided included an introduction to the internet and digital tools. Participants were taught how to use the internet and digital devices like tablets to support the creation of positive photo and video content for social media. Similar training sessions had previously been held at the Pesantren for the Deaf in Temanggung, Central Java, and the Community for the Blind in Yogyakarta in mid-2023. Additionally, to support the work processes of the Rumah Quran Isyaroh Bandung administrators, XL Axiata distributed tablets equipped with data packages for one year.
Through the Quota Donation Movement (GDK) program from XL Axiata, the teaching and learning process for students will be enhanced with the provision of tablets, routers, and data packages for one year. Moreover, to support the operations of Rumah Quran Isyaroh Bandung, XL Axiata is providing XL and AXIS data packages for one year. XL Axiata employees are also actively participating by donating their zakat, which is distributed through the XL Axiata Taklim Council (MTXL).
Work-Ready Disability Program
Regarding the Disability Ready to Work Program, XL Axiata offers training and mentoring to help people with disabilities enhance their skills until they are ready for employment. Through this program, XL Axiata aims to provide inclusive work readiness support for people with disabilities, reflecting XL Axiata's principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI).
The series of XL Axiata Cares for Work-Ready Disability programs will begin on July 30, 2024. Training will be conducted in four major cities: Surabaya, Medan, Bandung, and Jakarta. The participants of the XL Axiata Cares for Work-Ready Disability training program consist of 105 individuals with disabilities from six local disability community partners, including Rumah Difabel/Khadijah Sharaswaty Indonesia Medan, Dilans Indonesia Bandung, Peduli Kasih Foundation for Children with Special Needs Surabaya, FeminisThemis Surabaya, Bisindo and Accessibility Team Surabaya, and the Indonesian Association of Disabled People.
Internship opportunities will be available exclusively to participants who have successfully completed the selection process for the Ready to Work Disability Care Program. These selected interns will be placed at the XL Axiata Head Office and four XL Axiata Regional Offices in Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Medan for a six-week period.
"Participants with disabilities who have completed this series of programs will have the opportunity to intern at XL Axiata. Employees will also have the chance to mentor these individuals. Selected employees from various departments and regions will provide guidance and explain the processes and work environment at XL Axiata. Interns will be placed for six weeks at XL Axiata offices across the four cities. Selected employees from various departments and regions will provide guidance and assist the interns on the work processes and environment at XL Axiata. Interns will be placed in XL Axiata offices across the four cities for six weeks," said Marwan.
Workplace Etiquette Training with Disabilities
The workplace etiquette training for employees at XL Axiata who will interact with individuals with disabilities will involve around 100 employees from various departments. The training will cover interaction and workplace etiquette with people with disabilities to ensure productive and harmonious work relationships. Participants are expected to learn how to interact effectively with individuals with disabilities. Additionally, employees who complete this training are anticipated to serve as ambassadors for spreading workplace etiquette to other staff members.
Through this initiative, XL Axiata aims to encourage individuals with disabilities to thrive in an inclusive environment, develop their potential, and enhance their employability. The goal is for individuals with disabilities to feel confident and motivated to work in both private and public sectors, leveraging their unique skills and abilities.