ACTIVITY

Short description of the business or initiative

2018 start of social enterprise in which young people with intellectual disabilities are working They started without having a terrain , raising 8 000 flower seedlings on the roof of a building.

Then they became from the local municipality a land of nearly 4 decares , free of charge for 10 years.

Maria has a long standing experience of doing business in the private sector.

For more than twenty years she has been actively working in the non governmental sector.

SOCIAL IMPACT

The Foundation works to develop policies for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. So they come to the idea to develop social enterprise where this young people can be employed.

Maria wants for the young people, by exercising their right to work, to gain civic and personal self esteem, and to feel themselves meaningful and equal.

She wants to show to everyone that the social enterprise model for supported employment is actually a possible model.

KEY CHALLENGES AND SUCCESS FACTORS

What drives your motivation?

personal reasons

Does your job make you compromise with something or make sacrifices?

She wouldn`t call anything from what she makes compromise or sacrifice. She makes her dream comes true. In this sense, personal advantages are mostly related to the satisfaction of doing something meaningful.

What does it take to be successful?

For her success the most important thing is her strong
motivation and the faith, that she is on her way.

What are the benefits, both personal and social?

Working for the first time in their lives, young people will have the opportunity to increase their income, to feel significant, responsible and equal.