Rumah Ceria Down Syndrome (RCDS) is more than a learning center, it is a sanctuary. Here, children and young adults with Down Syndrome are empowered to grow, express themselves, and take steps toward a more independent future.
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, the cheerful sounds of laughter and purposeful activity spill out from a modest building. As the door opens, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the lively atmosphere. Inside, young learners carefully measure ingredients, blend syrups, and study the workings of a coffee machine.
In the middle of this lively scene, a bright-eyed boy approaches me. “Hello, I’m Alim. Would you like to order a drink?” he asks with a proud smile, guided gently by his instructor. He points to the menu as he describes the options. I choose one, and Alim returns to his station, carefully preparing his proud creation: Kopi Gula Aren, coffee sweetened with palm sugar. Moments later, he returns, beaming. “Please enjoy. Thank you!” he says, bowing respectfully with his hand on his chest.
My visit happened to coincide with the centre’s weekly barista workshop, one of the many vocational activities offered at RCDS.
Founded by POTADS, an acronym for Persatuan Orang Tua Anak dengan Down Syndrome (Association of Parents of Children with Down Syndrome) on 31 July 2016, RCDS is a unique space that serves not just as a learning center but as a safe haven where children and young adults with Down Syndrome, like Alim, can explore their potential, express their talents, and acquire life skills for a more independent future.
“We believe that individuals with Down Syndrome are born with incredible potential and talent,” shares Eliza Octaviani Rogi, Chairperson of POTADS Foundation.
Eliza warmly welcomed me and shared how the journey of POTADS began in the late 2000s with three mothers: Noni Fadhilah, and Ellya Goestiani and the late Aryati Supriyono. Struggling with a lack of information and support for families like theirs, they came together to share stories, build strength, and form a community.
“Parents must be strong first,” said Eliza. “Many experience grief or depression after their child’s diagnosis. They need support and a safe space to grow. Today, POTADS has grown to include 10 branches across 10 provinces with nearly 3,000 members.”
Some of the participants have already begun working at Kopi Kamu coffee shop, like Alim (left), gaining valuable hands-on experience and building confidence in a supportive environment. Photo by Robert Speirs.
While initially focused on supporting parents, POTADS soon recognised the need for activities and inclusive spaces for the children themselves. At a time when few educational centers welcomed children with Down Syndrome, Rumah Ceria Down Syndrome was born.
At RCDS, children aged 10 and up can join a variety of free and low-cost activities. Weekly programs, both in-house and outdoor, are run by trained instructors. They range from workshops and playdates to inclusive play sessions with students from local schools, helping to foster community engagement and bridge social gaps.
“We provide free classes like drumband and angklung, and paid classes like dancing, painting, jimbe percussion, art & craft, and barista training. The barista class costs IDR 450,000 per month (4 sessions), due to the ingredients, equipment, and professional instructors required.” Eliza explained.
The barista class was born from a dream: to open POTADS Coffee, a coffee shop run by the center’s own graduates. While launching the shop proved challenging, the trained baristas found another path forward, participating in public bazaars, where their talent and passion caught the eye of Rocky J. Pesik, the owner of Jakarta’s Kopi Kamu coffee shop.
Moved by their dedication, Rocky made a generous offer: to employ graduates from RCDS at Kopi Kamu (@kopikamu_official) located on Jl. Wijaya, Kebayoran Baru, which has since gained public attention for being fully staffed by individuals with Down Syndrome.
“Pak Rocky’s offer was like a dream come true. He assured us that it would be okay if the children made mistakes. The collaboration between POTADS and Kopi Kamu allows us to place our trained baristas there. We’re always open to internship and job opportunities.” Eliza shared.
Still, Eliza acknowledges the ongoing challenges, especially in helping families prepare their children for work and social integration. While companies like Hotel Gran Melia Jakarta now hire individuals with Down Syndrome, many young adults remain hesitant to work due to a lack of support.
“Children must be accompanied by their parents. But many parents are either unable or afraid. Some fear for their children’s safety, especially girls. Others simply never imagined their children working, they just wanted them to be healthy and happy. Much of it stems from outdated mindsets. Many children have not been mentally prepared for independence.” she added.
Eliza revealed that there are approximately 300,000 people with Down Syndrome in Indonesia, yet POTADS currently reaches only around 3,000. “Many may live in remote areas without access to vital information. With our limited resources, we do all we can to empower families with the knowledge they need for their children’s future,” she said.
At RCDS, every individual is supported on their path to greater independence and social inclusion. The centre empowers them to engage more fully with the world, develop essential life skills, and overcome social stigma.
Rumah Ceria Down Syndrome by POTADS
Griya Patria, Jl. Pejaten Barat No. 16E, Pejaten, Jakarta Selatan.
+62 81296237423
potads.or.id
@potads
