Story Enjoying the Advantages and Uniqueness of Working in the Field of Community Empowerment and Social Inclusion

In 1996 graduated from the Department of Sociology, then began his career as a journalist in Tiras. He was also a researcher at the Center of Government Politics Ethics Studies from 2002 to 2004. Finally, he dedicated himself to a non-profit organization called The Asian Foundation and successfully publishes three books inspired by his current work.

That's a bit of a career story from Ade Siti Barokah, a speaker at the One Week One Alumni show on September 22nd. The event organized by CDC ( Career Development Center ) Fisipol is the theme of " Community Empowerment and Social Inclusion ". With the aim of looking at employment opportunities in the field of community empowerment and social inclusion.

One of the NGOs ( Non-Government Organization ) engaged in the field is The Asian Foundation. A non-profit international development agency committed to the improvement of life in Asia. In addition it also provides support through programs in accordance with the needs of partner countries spread across several countries, including Indonesia. Some of these are books for Asia, promoting international corporations, elections, empower women, strengthen governance, conflict and fragile conditions , and many other programs.

In the year 2017 is Ade who served as a program officerat The Asian Foundation handles a special program of social empowerment and inclusion. This program is designed to increase the access of marginalized groups to basic services, such as health, education, and social or legal protection. Where there are 6 pillars covered, namely transgender groups, indigenous and remote local communities, victims of human rights abuses, disabilities, religious minorities or local beliefs, and vulnerable adolescents. "The program is indeed very special because it targets marginal groups that are usually difficult to get access, "he explained. Not only is it difficult to get access, some of these groups are also alienated by their families, communities, and even unrecognized existence. Therefore, the program desperately needs a specific approach and strategy.

This is what makes Ade really love his job now. Being able to meet and help marginalized people is a great thing. "The program is spread across 15 provinces, giving me the opportunity to meet many indigenous peoples such as inner-born tribes in Jambi, Mentawai, Sumba, and many more," Ade told participants. Ade also added from the experience of meeting various community groups made him learn a lot. One of them learns to listen more than to speak. "After working here I learned to be a listener because they do not want to be lectured, they need to be heard," he added.

In addition to helping many community groups and learning many of them, Ade also benefited from his current job. One of them can be free traveling both inside and outside the country. Ade admitted on the sidelines of his work to several areas in Indonesia, he could take the time to visit many tourist attractions. In addition, at The Asian Foundation it is very open for staff to attend fellowship programs as well as regular meetings abroad.

For him to enter in the field of community empowerment, especially at The Asian Foundation requires some special competence. Among them are communication, facilitation, conflict resolution, negotiation, and networking . Ade believes that Fisipol students must have and master these competencies. Therefore, Ade invites Fisipol students to join this field. "Let's join this field, we will get inner satisfaction and always feel 'rich' because what we do very visible results," said Ade to end his exposure.