Background
People with intellectual disabilities are one of the most excluded groups, with limited access to education, vocational training and employment. In order to be able to get into the labour market, they need continuous training and support that is not provided within the education system or through social services.

Practice
The project is aimed at young people with intellectual disabilities and provides opportunities for work-related training in a real working environment in order to acquire professional skills for preparing and catering of events.

For people with intellectual disabilities, the project contributes to the development of skills and increases the opportunity to find paid employment both in the catering sector and in the social enterprise to the foundation. Providing income for the representatives of this group of young people is a guarantee to ensure their normal life and social participation.

Results
1. 10 to 15 young people with intellectual disabilities, trained in coffee break preparation and service. Training participants receive certificates of skills and will be supported in the process of finding paid employment through the Foundation's work mentoring programme.
2. Established sustainable relationships with the House of Non-Governmental Organizations and the Hube for Social Innovations in Sofia and established workplace base for serving and catering events.
3. Promoting the activities and abilities of young people with intellectual disabilities to overcome stereotypes and change public attitudes.

Financing organization: TELUS International Europe
The duration of the project is from July 2017 to April 2018.
The World of Maria Foundation
Contact: Miryana Syriiski
Sofia 1680, 88 Bulgaria Blvd., office 8
Tel. 02/808 171, MOB 0897 892 771
[email protected]
www.mariasworld.org