Group Documentation with the Children of Mawaddah Warrohmah Orphanage and Volunteers
(Source: Personal Documentation, 2026)
MALANG — The Project Department of the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences Local Committee Universitas Brawijaya (IAAS LC UB) successfully held the Sign With Love Initiative (SWLI) program at Mawaddah Warrohmah Orphanage, Malang. The event was attended by 20 children from the orphanage and 10 volunteers, carrying the theme “Speak with Hands, Connect with Hearts.” The program aimed to introduce Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO) to the children in order to foster greater understanding and awareness of the importance of inclusivity.
IAAS LC UB — an international student organization in the field of agriculture and related sciences that is actively involved in community empowerment — demonstrated its commitment through SWLI to nurturing empathy and social awareness around the importance of communication access for the Deaf community from an early age.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from the organizing committee and the management of Mawaddah Warrohmah Orphanage. In their remarks, the orphanage administrators expressed appreciation for the program, noting that it offered a meaningful new experience for the children.
Delivery of BISINDO material and practice session
(Source: Personal Documentation, 2026)
The main session began with a foundational BISINDO workshop delivered by instructor Hafiz, running from 09:25 to 10:10 WIB. During this session, participants were introduced to basic sign language gestures and practiced them hands-on, guided by Amora as the event facilitator who actively supported interaction and sign communication practice throughout the session.
Following the workshop, participants engaged in a group game called “Treasure Hunt” from 10:23 to 10:58 WIB, designed to build teamwork, communication, and social interaction among the children. The program then continued with a keychain decorating workshop from 10:58 to 11:28 WIB, providing a creative space for participants and volunteers to bond and express themselves.
SWLI Project Officer Fiorenza stated that the program represents a meaningful contribution by university students in creating an inclusive and enriching learning environment. “Through the Sign With Love Initiative, we hope the children can get to know BISINDO and understand the importance of appreciating diverse ways of communicating,” she said.
Meanwhile, Farida, as a representative of the Mawaddah Warrohmah Orphanage management, shared that the program had a positive impact on the children, particularly in introducing them to sign language and nurturing a greater appreciation for inclusivity.
“Thank you for the kindness and knowledge shared with our children. Initiatives like this are truly meaningful for their development, and we continue to pray for the success of the students’ studies and their bright futures,” said Farida in her remarks.
The program’s impact was evident in the children’s improved foundational understanding of BISINDO and a growing awareness of the value of embracing diverse forms of communication in social settings.
The program concluded at 11:40 WIB with the presentation of certificates to the volunteers and a symbolic handover of donations consisting of basic food supplies and other logistical necessities for the orphanage. Through this initiative, IAAS LC UB is expected to continue delivering community service programs that are educational, inclusive, and sustainable.
Writer: Fenita Tri Ramadhani dan Putri Intan Nauli Siregar
Credit: IAAS LC UB