A group of young people with autism have developed a new thriving business selling snacks and energy bars. 3S School Synergy Snacks was established in Athens, Greece, with the help of parents, teachers and social activists and provides employment for those who found it difficult to find jobs elsewhere, a difficulty for even highly-trained Greeks given the long-standing economic crisis.
Giannis Chatziargyriou, Eleni Albertou, Michalis Sideris and Giorgos Vradis make up the team, all of whom were trained in vocational colleges specially designed for their needs. This training gave them the skills and the know-how to operate a successful business.
The mother of Giannis Chatziargyriou said of the initiative:
"In Greece today, doing business is hard anyway. But it is even more difficult for people with additional limitations and intellectual difficulties. The same goes for those who stand by them. The ones that operate as their voices. They are mainly employed in family-friendly businesses. Only in recent years have some organizations have been created to incorporate vulnerable social groups. Even then, however, the jobs offered are disproportionate. New people with disabilities cannot find a place to work most of the times. Although the legislature envisaged social cooperative businesses to facilitate the integration of people with disabilities and the safeguarding of their right to work, which is an essential element of human dignity, bureaucracy and responsibility are still going strong, making our lives sometimes difficult."
Eleni Albertou, one of the team, added:
"Although my life was difficult, I managed to achieve what my soul wanted. A baking – pastry degree that gave me some supplies and the privilege of continuing my career professionally. The difficulties we face with my team make us stronger and bring us closer to achieving our goals. We thank those who support us in this beginning."
It is hoped that 3S School Synergy Snacks will flourish long into the future and provide opportunities for many others seeking jobs in a difficult marketplace.
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