In late April 2026, I was given an honor I will never forget. This journey took me far to the north of the Island of the Gods, precisely to SLBN 1 Buleleng in Singaraja. We came carrying a big mission called “Games for Inclusion”, an extraordinary collaboration to bring inclusivity into the world of technology.
This program was not just an ordinary visit — it was a real effort to provide technology up-skilling to our friends with hearing disabilities (deaf). This initiative was realized through close collaboration and full support from Agate Academy, Alkademi Foundation, Telkom Indonesia, Axioo, and the help of friends from Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha). Together, we wanted to prove that physical limits are not a barrier to mastering the technology of the future.
Breaking Through Communication Barriers
This was my first experience teaching in a Special School (SLB) environment. Honestly, I was nervous at first — how could I convey the complexities of programming logic to our deaf friends? But that nervousness melted away the moment I saw the friendly smiles of the students and the extraordinary dedication of the SLBN 1 Buleleng teachers. These teachers became very patient communication bridges, translating every technical explanation into dynamic sign language.
Two Full Days of Inspiration
The activity ran for two very intense days. On the first day, Kak Karina Dewanti Shafwan opened the students’ horizons with game industry material. She shared how a hobby can become a profession, and how the global creative industry is open to anyone with the skills.
On the second day, it was my turn to go into the technical realm. Our main focus was designing arcade games using MakeCode Arcade. I invited the students not just to be players, but creators. We assembled the logic block by block: setting character movement, creating obstacles, and determining scores.
It didn’t stop there — I also introduced the basics of AI Prompting. I wanted them to know that artificial intelligence (AI) can become a “personal assistant” to support their creative process, from finding ideas to solving logic problems.
The Emotional “Aha!” Moment
The peak of my happiness was watching those serious faces turn into laughter and amazement. There was an “Aha!” moment when the games they had assembled could finally run and be played. Seeing them proudly show their work to their bench partners truly touched my heart. Digital literacy is not just about code — it is about giving them the confidence that they can compete in the digital era.
Technology for Everyone
This program reinforced my conviction: technology is a universal tool of empowerment. If we can provide the right access and approach, inclusivity in the technology industry is no longer a mere dream, but a reality we can build together.
My deepest thanks go to the Agate Academy team, especially Kak Restya Winda Astari and Kak Nadia Ukhti, who accompanied, guided, and collaborated closely throughout the entire program from Bandung to Singaraja. Their dedication is the key to the success of this program. This collaboration taught me a valuable lesson: every individual holds extraordinary potential, as long as we are willing to open the door. Games for Inclusion is a gateway to a world where everyone belongs.
