Commemorating World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, Java Paragon Hotel & Residences Surabaya held an event called "Brewing Coffee Together with Individuals with Down Syndrome." Together with the Coffee Community of East Java, children with Down Syndrome learned to make coffee manually.
Here's the Joy of Children with Down Syndrome Learning to Make Coffee at Java Paragon Hotel & Residences Surabaya
According to the General Manager of Java Paragon Hotel & Residences Surabaya, this event is a means of support for children with Down Syndrome to enhance their skills.
"We believe that every individual has extraordinary abilities, including our friends with Down Syndrome. Therefore, on this special day, we invited them to enhance their skills by making coffee. It turns out they can indeed make coffee. Who knows, this could be a foundation for them to open a coffee shop in the future," said Erly R., General Manager of Java Paragon Hotel & Residences Surabaya.
A total of 20 children with Down Syndrome from the Association of Parents of Children with Down Syndrome (POTADS) were enthusiastic about learning to brew coffee. One of them is Triyana Prasetyo Mulya.
"Earlier, I made coffee with friends. It's easy to make. I'm very happy to be a part of this. Later, I want to open a café business," shared Triyana P. M., one of the participants in Brewing Coffee Together with Individuals with Down Syndrome.
Not only Triyana, but another participant, Putri P. M., also expressed her joy in attending this training.
"Today was fun because we made coffee. It's not difficult to make. Later, I want to make coffee for my mom at home," explained Putri enthusiastically.
Parents of children with Down Syndrome expressed their joy at this training. One of them is Endah S.
"Thank God, finally, the children can learn to make coffee today. This is one of our dreams. They can learn directly how to make coffee properly. Previously, the children have learned painting, martial arts, playing the angklung, and even participated in fashion shows. Making coffee is a first for them," proudly stated Endah Sugiarti.
Endah S., hopes that children with Down Syndrome can utilize this training for their future endeavors.
"Our hope is that in the future, the children can demonstrate their abilities, at least by serving coffee within their own families. Alhamdulillah, we would be grateful if they could eventually have their own business, even though they may need assistance," she added.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Coffee Community of East Java, Dirganto, stated that this activity posed quite a challenge for members of the Coffee Community of East Java.
"This event is fun. This is the first time we've taught children with Down Syndrome how to make coffee. Previously, we've held similar events with our friends who are deaf and mute," said Om Gantok, Dirganto's affectionate nickname.
Moreover, Om Gantok hopes that more people will have a correct understanding of coffee.
"In fact, individuals with Down Syndrome can serve as motivation for everyone to learn about making coffee and how to properly enjoy it. We will provide simple ways to make coffee, focusing on the method of preparation and enjoying coffee without sugar," Om Gantok added.
Dirganto further stated that the event "Brewing Coffee Together with Individuals with Down Syndrome" is expected to boost the confidence of children with Down Syndrome.
"The hope is to boost their spirit and self-confidence, reassuring them that they are just like everyone else when it comes to learning how to make coffee," Om Gantok concluded.
Additionally, Erly R., General Manager of Java Paragon Hotel & Residences Surabaya, also hopes that this training will serve as a foundation for children with Down Syndrome to become more independent.
"In addition to raising awareness among the public that we all have equal opportunities, that everyone has the chance to learn and enjoy coffee properly, we also hope that children with Down Syndrome can become more independent and, of course, this could be an idea for their future businesses," Erly added.
It is worth noting that World Down Syndrome Day is commemorated every March 21st. It is a celebration aimed at raising awareness to support, inspire, and encourage children with Down Syndrome.