In today’s business environment, it does not just require leaders who can accommodate rapid change and anticipate market trends. It also needs empathetic leaders that able to strengthen and collaborate with their teams, fostering a positive workplace atmosphere that encourages continuous innovation and growth. Characteristic such as empathy, user-centeredness, and innovative thinking serve as the foundation for effective leadership in today’s business landscape. 

Empowering Advocacy: Joining Forces for Children’s Rights and Disability Inclusion 

Yayasan Cinta Harapan Indonesia Autism Center, a non-profit organization, provides free education to children with autism from low-income families in Indonesia. On July 22, 2023, the BBS Social Innovation Camp partnered with YCHI Autism Center, featuring participation from BINUS University students, an opening speech by Mr. Petrus Lakonawa from BINUS, and a presentation by Mr. Fahmy from an NGO. The center was founded by Mr. Zulfikar and Mrs. Nila, who, after facing challenges with their autistic son Rayhan Iftikar, aimed to support other children with autism and special needs. YCHI Autism Center focuses on offering therapy, care, and education, and has created a Special Needs School (Sekolah Luar Biasa – SLB) and the Cinta Harapan Early Childhood Education Centre (KB Cinta Harapan) to enhance educational opportunities for these children. The center’s mission is to broaden access to learning for children who might otherwise lack educational resources. 

Establishing therapy centers in many different areas presents significant challenges for YCHI, owing to a shortage of qualified human resources and trainers. Furthermore, it is difficult to create effective fundraising campaigns to attract donors, which is exacerbated by limited funding, which limits the range of services available. Working alongside suitable companies for autism and special needs campaigns is also a daunting task. Furthermore, misconceptions about autism not being a medical condition reduce donor interest in contributing. However, a closer look reveals that many children with severe autism come from low-income families and require expensive therapy services.

Fostering Marginalized Communities: Yayasan Swara Peduli Indonesia’s Vision and Initiatives

On July 22, 2023, BINUS partnered with Yayasan Swara Peduli Indonesia, with participants arriving at around 9:00 a.m. WIB. They were welcomed by Mr. Endang, the founder of the Swara community. The event began with introductory remarks from Nabila of the Campaign Team and Elisa of the BINUS Team. Mr. Endang then presented Swara’s profile and programs, detailing the community’s origins, problem mapping, initiatives, and activities in the Sumur Village Scavenger Community (Klender Village).

Established in 2013, Yayasan Swara Peduli Indonesia is committed to social rehabilitation, community empowerment, and education for marginalized groups, aiming to improve their social, cultural, educational, and religious conditions. The foundation promotes family stability through economic and cultural development and supports various social welfare initiatives to enhance community well-being. Among its key programs is the Swara Hijau Farm, an urban agriculture initiative targeting the urban poor, especially the Kp scavenger community. Since its inception in 2016, the farm has evolved from initial skepticism to gaining broad support, becoming a center for agricultural education and green practices. Its outreach efforts have inspired residents to establish their own community groups focused on sustainable living.

The ISCO Foundation: Empowering Indonesian Street Children through Education and Skills

The BBS Social Innovation Camp on July 22, 2023, in collaboration with the ISCO Foundation, profoundly impacted participants, who were inspired by the initiatives and beneficiaries’ resilience. The event concluded with souvenir presentations by Mrs. xxx from the BINUS team and Benaya Jonatan from the Campaign Team. According to Ms. Heba Sidabutar, the foundation has increased its focus on educating at-risk children over the past five years, demonstrating their commitment to combating child street homelessness. By addressing the root causes of the street child phenomenon through early identification and intervention, ISCO prevents homelessness and equips children with the tools to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation. This proactive approach not only improves individual lives but also contributes to a more stable and inclusive community where every child can thrive and positively impact society.

Considering its noble intentions, the ISCO Foundation faces numerous hurdles as it implements its initiatives. Some of these obstacles include keeping youngsters motivated and committed to the activities available. Furthermore, several ISCO branches fail to successfully run their programs due to a shortage of facilitators. Obtaining parental support for ISCO activities can be difficult, as some parents in specific places may not allow their children to participate or support their education at home.

Another significant issue is the government’s level of support for ISCO. The government may not provide full support for certain programs. ISCO works to overcome resource constraints by collaborating, engaging with donors and partners, and executing strategic fundraising initiatives. This ensures the continuity and effectiveness of their programs, which empower street children with a better education and brighter futures for themselves and their families.

In conclusion, developing empathy and innovation in future business leaders is crucial for driving positive change in both corporate and community contexts. Leaders who prioritize empathy can better understand diverse stakeholder needs and foster a collaborative environment that encourages continuous innovation. Participating in real-world community initiatives enhances leaders’ empathy and problem-solving skills, leading to more inclusive and compassionate business practices that benefit both organizations and the broader community.