Hanu Resinurjati Pitrosadhi, Lifting Spirits of Talented Children

Machradin Wahyudi Ritonga

· 6 minutes read

For Hanu Resinurjati Pitrosadhi, 38, helping people with disabilities stand at a medal podium is a source oef pride. From within the school walls and playground, he sees their potential amid their limitations. Hanu knows that their shortcomings are not a barrier to realizing their potential.

That Wednesday afternoon (22/5/2019), Hanu was busy filling out the student reports in the faculty room of the Special Needs School (SPLB-C, YPLB) Bandung. A light breeze was blowing into the room of the building, which is a legacy of the colonial era.

"They are extraordinary children that have potential, even though people often underestimate them. By directing them towards the right path, they can make achievements and make the people around them proud," said Hanu.

Then, Wicherson “Gerson” Thomas Tituhari Wila, 30, entered through the door. On first glance, Wicherson looks like any other person with a disability. However, this slim man is a top athlete. He won the gold medal in the 800-meter for T12 (vision impairment) athletes at the 2016 West Java National Paralympics Week (Peparnas).

"Um, where are you going wearing a sports uniform?" asked Hanu.

"I want to practice running at Sabuga. You should come during the selection tomorrow," said Gerson, smiling broadly.

Gerson is training for the West Java team selection for the Peparnas 2020 in Papua.

Thanks to Hanu\'s expertise, Gerson was able to be the best in athletics, despite having a disability. "Pak [Mr.] Hanu trained me very hard," said Gerson, who realized that all the training was for his own good.

Hanu said that honing the talents of disabled persons makes them more independent and accepted by society. This was what drove the “adaptive physical education” teachers to train their students according to their potential.

The knowledge and experience Hanu gained during his Sports and Health Education studies at the Indonesian Education University (FPOK UPI) encouraged him to try and train children who had the potential to become professional athletes. He tries to develop their talents so they can earn an income and have goals.

"They have their own potential. Some can play music, [others] dance, sports and so on. I have abilities in sports. With this ability, I can train children who have the potential to become good athletes," he said.

Parents’ blessing

Hanu didn\'t expect to become part of the world of education for the disabled. He had aspired to become a professional sports coach. Born to a normal family, he did not imagine pursuing a career as a trainer and teacher for the disabled.

Hanu said that on the first day of school in 2005, he first saw the usual athletics field and equipment. And when the student came out to welcome him, he saw their enthusiasm amid their limitations. He was touched. Hanu wanted to help the children find joy in accordance with their potential.

"I was advised by a lecturer to apply [for a job] at this school. Initially, I was not very enthusiastic because I was going to teach children with special needs," he recalled. However, when he entered the school grounds and met them, Hanu\'s intentions changed. "I wanted to empower them and not be underestimated," he said.

Since then, Hanu has been an adaptive physical education teacher who is keen to develop the students’ talents. Initially, Hanu had many unpleasant experiences. However, he realized that the students before him were not ordinary children. They needed special attention and patience.

"Sometimes I was bitten or spit at. I just accepted it. Not to mention the hyperactive ones. [They] cannot queue. So, I have to be patient," he smiled.

Hanu saw children who had the potential to become athletes, so he decided to train them and hone their abilities. However, the school hours were limited.

So he decided to set up a foundation for developing the sports talent in persons with disabilities and in 2016, he founded the Humaniora Foundation to help develop them according to their interests and abilities.

Initially, the foundation did not charge any fees. For Hanu, helping these children fulfill their dreams and interests was his good deed.

The foundation received positive responses from the families of the disabled students. The parents thanked him for providing their children with activities that helped improve their motor skills.

Over time, the number of parents interested in sending their children to the foundation grew. Hanu was overwhelmed by the job of taking care of them all, along with his colleague Marsudi. In the end, the foundation recruited other trainers, which automatically increased its operational costs

"Finally, I reluctantly asked for voluntary donations from the parents. I appreciated that. Even though many were from the lower-middle class, the parents still appreciated my efforts by providing donations," he said, with tears in his eyes.

Due to the parents’ blessing and support, Hanu’s perseverance paid off. Some of his students started making achievements.

During the 2018 West Java Regional Student Paralympics Week (Peparpelda), as many as 30 children under Hanu’s care won gold medals in several sports, including athletics and swimming. By 2019, the Humaniora Foundation had helped 203 disabled people in both achievement training and therapy.

With the attention and knowledge he gained, Hanu was entrusted with heading the development and achievement division of the Bandung National Paralympics Committee Indonesia (NPCI). He is also often invited to various seminars to discuss training disabled athletes.

In training people with disabilities, Hanu also learned about their behavior and attitudes. "I also learned how to act with children who don\'t want to be controlled. If they are unwilling to follow instructions, it is better to show [my] displeasure with silence, not anger. Later, they will become aware themselves," he said.

Hanu said that teaching people with disabilities must be heartfelt and sincere. Responding emotionally would only cause them to shut down, because they would feel that they were not valued or accepted.

Gerson said that his friends were happy to be taught by Hanu, who taught them with his whole heart and did not underestimate them. This was the most important thing for people with disabilities, to be fully accepted by society, to be viewed as a whole person, despite their limitations.

Hanu Resinurjati Pitrosadhi

Born: Sumedang, April 4, 1981

Education: Sport and Health Education, Indonesia Education University (2005)

Occupation:

- Secretary-General, Humaniora Foundation (2016-present)

- Development and Achievement head, Bandung National Paralympic Committee Indonesia (2015-present)

- Physical education teacher, SPLB-C YPLB Bandung (2005-present)

Editor:

kompascetak