My Humanity Project - DISKOIN (Inclusive Coffee Discussion): Breaking Communication Barriers, Uniting Voices with the Sumba Deaf Community (KoTSu)

Under the scorching Sumbanese sun, a special event named DISKOIN (Inclusive Coffee Discussion) is set to enliven the island of Pasola. This event is initiated by myself, together with local youth and of course, the Sumba Deaf Community, with the aim of opening up a space for dialogue and enhancing public understanding of Sumba Coffee and the Deaf community in Sumba.

DISKOIN offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere at a local coffee shop called Mata Rammu Cafe (located in front of SMK Pancasila Tambolaka). It is hoped that the fragrant aroma of coffee, combined with the laughter and chatter of the participants, will create an inclusive and comfortable atmosphere for all. Amidst the bustling crowd, a pair of hands will move gracefully, weaving words into sentences in Indonesian Sign Language.

One of the most memorable moments was the learning session on Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO) and Indonesian Sign System (SIBI). It was hoped that the participants would enthusiastically engage with the sign language taught by their Deaf peers, striving to understand the meaningful language. The Deaf participants from Sumba were the stars of the event. They were eager and excited to share their experiences and stories about their lives, challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with the Deaf community.

DISKOIN is more than just a coffee-drinking event. It is a movement to open the doors of communication, build bridges of understanding, and break down the walls of stigma that have long separated the Deaf community and the general public.

Through DISKOIN, the people of Sumba are invited to listen to the voices of the Deaf community, understand their culture and language, and forge closer relationships. This event serves as a reminder that communication is not only about words, but also about movement, expression, and mutual respect.

The DISKOIN narrative does not end at the coffee shop. The spirit of inclusivity and tolerance ignited by this event continues to resonate in the hearts of the participants. Another great hope is that participants will be inspired to become agents of change, disseminating knowledge and understanding about the Deaf community to people in their surroundings.

DISKOIN stands as concrete evidence that by opening our hearts and minds, we can build a more inclusive and harmonious community. Where every individual, with all their differences, can coexist with mutual respect and understanding.