In this era of emerging leaders, we must emphasize the value of developing empathy and inventive thinking. Empathy enables leaders to have a thorough understanding of the demands and issues of their consumers, workers, and stakeholders. This insight is critical for discovering unmet requirements and designing solutions that resonate with and benefit end users. A leader who can empathize successfully is better able to form solid relationships, foster trust, and cultivate a healthy and inclusive workplace culture. This human-centered approach is critical for generating meaningful and impactful solutions that solve real-world challenges.

Empowering Dreams: The Inspiration Factory Foundation’s Mission to Uplift Underprivileged Children

On December 17, 2022, the BBS Social Innovation Camp visited the Inspiration Factory Foundation at Rusun Marunda, starting with a presentation by Shabrina Junarto from Campaign.com. Ms. Andini then introduced the Binus Business School Social Innovation Camp, a required program for postgraduate students. The main session was led by Kak Putri from the Inspiration Factory Foundation, who discussed the organization’s background, vision, and mission. Kak Yanti followed with details on IFF’s programs, challenges, and the significant impact made in the Rusun Marunda community. The Inspiration Factory Foundation is dedicated to empowering children’s rights through non-formal education, focusing on soft skills development to help underprivileged children reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.

 

 

 

The Inspiration Factory Foundation (IFF) initiated the Dream Project, a learning program held in Rusun Marunda on December 17, 2022, to address the local shortage of facilitators, especially in the remote Tanjong Priok area. Attracting volunteers, particularly young people, has been challenging due to the location’s poor accessibility, but IFF uses social media and university partnerships, such as with BINUS, to recruit and train them. Volunteers receive training from stakeholders and psychologists to ensure effective communication with the children before starting their work. Despite these obstacles, the program has significantly improved the children’s academic performance and personal skills. The head of Rusun Marunda, impressed by IFF’s success elsewhere, invited them to replicate their positive impact in Marunda.

Building a Supportive Community: The Journey and Challenges of YDMI

The BBS Innocamp implementation at Yayasan Difabel Mandiri Indonesia (YDMI) proceeded smoothly, despite unforeseen issues like traffic delays and road closures that extended travel time. Mr. Diaz from BINUS outlined the visit’s purpose to BBS students, BINUS coaches, and YDMI administration, followed by Ms. Tuty from YDMI, who introduced the organization’s goals and activities before welcoming the group. The agenda then included YDMI presentations and observations of the beneficiaries. YDMI, established on July 24, 2013, was created to address common challenges faced by its primarily disabled members. The organization serves as a platform for people with disabilities to discuss their challenges, including societal barriers and limited career opportunities, and offers guidance and support.

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Irpan, the Director of YDMI, highlighted several challenges faced by the organization, including its lack of a permanent site and reliance on a rented facility. Additionally, YDMI struggles with inconsistent fundraising and financial difficulties, which were exacerbated after the death of its founder, Alm. Subandi H. Bohmat, who had previously provided space and secured donations. A significant challenge for people with disabilities is gaining their parents’ trust, as parents often fear for their safety and worry about societal perceptions. YDMI aims to overcome these obstacles by providing training in skills like graphic design and video editing, striving to become a learning hub for individuals with disabilities.

The Empowerment of Marginalised Children: Sahabat Anak’s Journey in Education and Advocacy

On December 17, 2022, Sahabat Anak was the third social organization visited during the BBS Social Innovation Camp. The session started with Mr. Aziz from the Campaign.com Team outlining Sahabat Anak’s documentation rules and ethical standards, followed by a briefing from Ms. Reni of Sahabat Anak Cijantung. Mr. Aziz then introduced the Sahabat Anak Team, including the moms and children benefiting from the program. Mr. Wiko provided an overview of the Binus Business School Social Innovation Camp and introduced the student coaches. Sahabat Anak, headquartered at Rumah Kemala Hijau in Jakarta Timur, is dedicated to advocating for children’s rights by offering free education, scholarships, health services, and support to marginalized children.

 

 

 

 

 

To engage the children, Sahabat Anak employs its own curriculum. However, recognizing that children can become bored, Sahabat Anak Cijantung introduced extracurricular programs, including sports, career exploration, and character development classes. Ms. Reni, a volunteer at Sahabat Anak Cijantung, shared at the BBS Social Innovation Camp on December 17, 2022, that the organization has achieved significant milestones. These include acquiring a new rented facility for learning activities called Rumah Kemala, resuming in-person learning in August 2022, advocating for children’s rights to identity and health, implementing a scholarship program, and recruiting new volunteers. Despite these successes, Sahabat Anak faces challenges such as maintaining children’s motivation to study, a shortage of volunteers (with a 1:10 volunteer-to-child ratio), difficulty reaching other out-of-school children, and a need for operational funding.

Inclusive Education Initiatives by Yayasan Wahana Inklusif Indonesia (YWII)

Established in 2013 in Depok, West Java, Yayasan Wahana Inklusif Indonesia (YWII) is a non-profit dedicated to improving education for children with disabilities through inclusive practices. The organization champions universal access to education, aiming to offer learning opportunities for all children regardless of their disability status. YWII believes that even minor efforts can greatly advance the well-being of individuals with disabilities throughout Indonesia. The organization runs various initiatives, including advocacy campaigns, educator training, community learning centers, and technical support for schools. These programs aim to create an inclusive society that respects and upholds the rights of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their full engagement in community life. During the BBS Social Innovation Camp in December 2022, YWII encountered multiple challenges, including dependence on a single donor, insufficient resources, and outdated management systems. The pandemic and issues with online learning, particularly during COVID-19 variants like Delta, further complicated their efforts. To address these, YWII implemented solutions such as take-home classes and vaccination campaigns to facilitate a safe return to offline learning. Developing empathy and innovative thinking is essential for emerging leaders, as it allows them to understand stakeholder needs and create effective solutions, fostering a supportive work environment. Since its inception, YWII has made significant strides, educating 550 children with disabilities and supporting inclusive education in numerous schools, with positive outcomes such as Fadlan’s notable behavioral improvements.

 

 

 

 

In contrast, creativity drives invention. It enables leaders to think creatively, investigate new ideas, and develop novel solutions to challenging challenges. Creative leaders excel at overcoming uncertainty, anticipating market developments, and responding quickly to change. By combining empathy and creativity, future business leaders may create strategies that not only fulfill current demands but also anticipate and shape future trends. This confluence of empathy and creativity serves as the cornerstone for effective leadership, allowing leaders to inspire their teams, nurture continuous growth, and achieve long-term success in today’s competitive landscape.