Project Title:
Work Skills Development Training for Autistic Youth
Implementation Period:
September 2024 – December 2024
Funding Source:
NGO and Community Activity Strengthening Program
Project Goal:
To organize meaningful leisure time for socially excluded youth through a program focused on developing independence and work skills, specifically in the context of food preparation training.
Problem Statement:
Autistic youth face limited opportunities to develop work and independent living skills due to infrastructure and services that are not adapted to their needs. Most existing programs in Panevėžys are not suited for youth with psychosocial disabilities. This project aims to build their capabilities and provide opportunities for greater independence and integration into the labor market.
Activities:
Work Skills Training for Youth:
10 weeks of food preparation workshops, held once a week.
Training sessions will be led by staff from the Panevėžys Vocational Training Center.
Recipe Development for Food Products:
Two food product recipes will be created for future production and sale through a mobile kitchen.
Training and recipe development will be carried out in cooperation with the Panevėžys Vocational Training Center.
Expected Results:
10 autistic youth will acquire practical work skills through hands-on cooking sessions.
Two recipes will be developed for food products adapted for sale at city festivals and fairs.
Youth will improve their independence, social interaction, and teamwork skills.
Project Budget: € 4,620
Partnerships:
A. Bandza Social Services Home: Will provide accompaniment services during training and contribute to project continuity in 2025.
Panevėžys Rotary Club: Provided financial support for the purchase of the mobile kitchen.
Panevėžys Vocational Training Center: Will deliver the training program and assist in recipe development.
Sustainability:
Starting in 2025, the project plans to launch a mobile kitchen business, offering the products developed during the training sessions at various public events.
