DARE THIS stands for key areas of work in Disability, Accessibility, Reproductive- and Sexual Health and Environmental Sustainability, and for the commitment to work as a Team for Holistic, Inclusive and Sustainable solutions.

DARE THIS is a platform of freelancing, international experts committed to work in and for people and projects in lower income earning countries. DARE THIS (not exclusive) focus is on Asia and Indonesia. DARE THIS main office is based in the Netherlands, with a Representative Office in Indonesia.

The main actors and target group in this project are youth affected by leprosy in Gowa, South Sulawesi. People affected by leprosy face severe social barriers at school, work and in daily life, due to the prevailing stigma in their communities. As a consequence, they develop strong self-stigma.

This project enhances the empowerment of youth affected by leprosy, as the first step in their transformation as the next generation of leaders in disability organisations. The project gives young people the opportunity to demonstrate what they are able to do. They are involved in designing, organising and implementing small community projects for the benefit of other vulnerable people. Ostracised people lacking self-worth can change their perspectives on life when given the opportunity to achieve something useful for others.

Indirect target group:
The small community projects are based on the actual needs of and the feasibility in the project area. As a result, women who are illiterate and people with disabilities also benefit. They face profound multiple disadvantages in life and are vulnerable to exploitation. The youth affected by leprosy maps the whereabouts of illiterate women and people with disabilities, explores their needs in participatory exercises, and develop solutions to address some of these needs. The youth affected by leprosy implements these projects, involving multi-sector stakeholders like village governments and other youth groups in the area.

Outcome:
Youth affected by leprosy experience and realise their own capacity as agents of change. They (re-)gain respect within their community. With this step towards empowerment, PerMaTa continues to work with the youth to further encourage and facilitate their development into young leaders. As an additional outcome, the community can experience how change can happen when different people work together with one voice towards a common goal.