Social Future Foundation

JAMBA - Career for All is a non-government organization whose main mission is to support people with diverse abilities in Bulgaria (this is how we refer to the group "people with disabilities") attain key competencies, soft and professional skills. As a follow-up step our team helps them begin their professional development and find a job. In Bulgaria there are over 800 000 people with diverse abilities. Most of them could work, but unfortunately, only as much as 10% are offered the chance to develop professionally. The idea of JAMBA emerged a few years ago while volunteering and working with people with diverse abilities. We (the founders - Iva & Joana) realised the greate... read more JAMBA - Career for All is a non-government organization whose main mission is to support people with diverse abilities in Bulgaria (this is how we refer to the group "people with disabilities") attain key competencies, soft and professional skills. As a follow-up step our team helps them begin their professional development and find a job. In Bulgaria there are over 800 000 people with diverse abilities. Most of them could work, but unfortunately, only as much as 10% are offered the chance to develop professionally. The idea of JAMBA emerged a few years ago while volunteering and working with people with diverse abilities. We (the founders - Iva & Joana) realised the greatest challenge for them was the lack of equal access to education, career start-up and integration. Nevertheless, we observed on a daily basis that these people have the potential and exceptional motivation to be useful. What they need is support and understanding, in order to be able to show what they are capable of. That is why, two years ago, we began implementing our project. At first it was extremely difficult, as we were faced with many turndowns and refusals. Gradually, our mission was joined by over 30 wonderful volunteers with big hearts, who helped us immensely. We created an online information platform which connects people with diverse abilities (JAMBA heroes) and the business world. At the same time, we are constantly conducting a number of soft-skills courses that prepare candidates for challenges like writing their CVs, presenting themselves effectively during interviews, as well as successful integration at their new jobs. We organize English language courses because it is important for our heroes to stand out in a competitive job market and have the necessary set of competencies. The third type of training is professional - information technology and programming, graphic design, marketing, advertising, accounting, cooking, bartending and many others. As a next step, we connect with employers proactively and prepare them to have a person with diverse abilities joining their team. We work towards providing an accessible work environment, as well as helping for a successful start and subsequent dual integration. In May 2017, our first JAMBA hero was hired. A year and a half later, we can proudly say that over 100 people with diverse abilities are already working in a variety of Bulgarian and international companies and developing in the field they dreamed of. Our team created the first ever career forum in Bulgaria that connects people with diverse abilities and businesses. The event involved more than 500 people with functional differences, and 25 companies, participating as exhibitors. We also organized a charity run - Run2Gether Bulgaria, in which over 1,000 people ran in pairs. The purpose behind it was for people with diverse abilities to get out of their homes, get involved in a sport and be healthy, as well as to meet new friends and cross the finish line together.