In Bulgaria, thousands of young adults with disability stay mostly at home, isolated from the rest of the world, unable to find work once they graduate high school and enter adulthood. With our "Cookie Workshop" project, we aim not only to create a work environment for them but also to teach them valuable working skills and thus give them a meaning in everyday life - a place and a chance, where they can prove their unique potential to the world.
For 16 years, "Future for the Children" organization has been working to create better conditions for children, teenagers and youngsters with different physical or mental challenges. As for these over 18 years old, our target group in this workshop, their chances to become a contributing part of society are quite limited. As they graduate from high school, these young adults most often do not possess the needed abilities or skills to start any job.
Our project "The Cookie Workshop" aims to give meaning to the everyday life of these young adults. As mentioned above, they will bake together with our pastry master chef and will also decorate cookies for different holiday themes, alongside with carrying out special company orders, actively participating in holding and preparing meetings and events, socializing with peers and friends, developing working skills and habits, and most importantly being a contributing part of the society.
Originally, 24 young adults with disability will be part of our Cookie Workshop Project. 4 young adults will be hired long term. This job will enable them to financially support and take care for their families, will help them develop social and working skills and habits, and will increase their self-esteem. This will eventually help them in applying for another long term job and become much more likeable in the job market due to the gained experience in our workshop.
