Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Divine image (kesecitraan) represents the inherent dignity of human beings created in the image and likeness of God (Imago Dei), which demands genuine recognition, respect, and holistic empowerment for every individual. Children with visual impairments possess an equal right to receive compassionate formation so that they can recognize their sacred self-worth despite experiencing severe physical limitations. This study aims to describe the distinct characteristics of visually impaired children and analyze the determinants shaping their divine image at Karya Murni Orphanage in Medan. A descriptive qualitative method utilizing a single-case study design was implemented in this research. Data were gathered through participatory observation, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving 15 informants comprising five caregivers and ten visually impaired children. The findings demonstrate that visually impaired children exhibit unique physical conditions, including total blindness or low vision, accompanied by psychological vulnerabilities such as emotional instability and inferiority complexes during initial placement. The development of their divine self-image is profoundly shaped by a supportive residential environment, daily living skills training, continuous emotional reinforcement, and regular Catholic spiritual guidance. The collaborative pastoral care provided by religious sisters successfully fosters personal resilience, self-acceptance, functional independence, and confidence in public participation. This study underscores the vital importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration among families, pastoral institutions, and society to restore the dignity and social empowerment of visually impaired children. ABSTRAK Kesecitraan merupakan perwujudan martabat luhur manusia sebagai citra Allah (Imago Dei) yang menuntut pengakuan, penghormatan, dan pemberdayaan nyata bagi setiap pribadi tanpa terkecuali. Anak-anak berkebutuhan khusus, termasuk tunanetra, berhak memperoleh pendampingan holistik agar mampu menyadari nilai keilahian dalam dirinya di tengah berbagai keterbatasan fisik yang dihadapi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan karakteristik anak tunanetra serta menganalisis faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi pembentukan kesecitraan mereka di Panti Asuhan Karya Murni Medan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan desain studi kasus tunggal. Pengumpulan data dilaksanakan melalui observasi partisipatif, wawancara mendalam, dan telaah dokumentasi terhadap 15 informan yang terdiri dari lima pendamping panti dan sepuluh anak tunanetra. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa anak tunanetra memiliki karakteristik fisik khas berupa disfungsi penglihatan total maupun low vision, serta dinamika psikologis berupa kerentanan emosional dan rasa rendah diri pada fase awal adaptasi. Pembentukan kesecitraan anak tunanetra dipengaruhi secara signifikan oleh penyediaan lingkungan panti yang kondusif, pelatihan keterampilan hidup mandiri (activity of daily living), penguatan afektif, dan pembinaan spiritual Kristiani yang berkesinambungan. Sinergi antara para suster pendamping dan sesama penghuni asrama berhasil menumbuhkan resiliensi, penerimaan diri, kemandirian fungsional, dan keberanian tampil di ruang publik. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya kolaborasi berkelanjutan antara keluarga, lembaga pelayanan pastoral, dan masyarakat dalam memulihkan martabat serta citra diri positif anak tunanetra agar mereka berdaya secara sosial.
Language: English
Subfield: Religious studies
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225198806