Project Title:
Institutional Strengthening of Panevėžys “Lietaus vaikai” by Engaging Youth in the Planning and Implementation of Social Enterprise Initiatives
Implementation Period:
February 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Funding Source:
NGO Institutional Capacity Building Projects Call 2026, Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania
Project Implementer:
Panevėžys Autism Association “Lietaus vaikai”
Project Objective
To strengthen the institutional and managerial capacity of the organization by developing the social enterprise initiative “Linksmoji virtuvėlė” (The Joyful Kitchen) as a platform for engaging autistic young people, developing their competencies, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization.
The Challenge
As autistic young people grow older, their need to actively participate in organizational activities and decision-making increases. However, they often lack structured opportunities, mentor support, and a systematic empowerment model.
The social enterprise initiative “Linksmoji virtuvėlė” has already been launched, but further long-term development is needed, including strengthening competencies, expanding communication, and integrating young people into the organization’s governance processes.
Activities
Youth Empowerment System
Formation of five youth teams within the “Linksmoji virtuvėlė” initiative:
Marketing
Finance
Food preparation and sales
Facilities management
Public speaking
Regular team meetings
Development of internal procedures for integrating youth representatives into the organization’s governance
Capacity Building and Mentorship
Training in public speaking and self-representation
Training on the use of artificial intelligence tools
Training in food preparation and customer service
Mentor capacity development
Development of the Social Enterprise “Linksmoji virtuvėlė”
Participation in at least 10 events in Panevėžys city and district
Participation in a one-week children’s summer camp
Strengthening Communication
Creation of a website and social media profiles
Development of a communication plan
Organization of at least 5 public presentations by the young participants
Results
For Young Participants
Strengthened practical, communication, and self-advocacy skills
Increased independence and participation in decision-making
For the Organisation
Development of a youth inclusion model
Strengthened social enterprise activities
Increased financial and organisational sustainability
For the Community
Greater visibility of autistic young people
Stronger collaboration with organisations in Panevėžys
Sustainability
The project will establish “Linksmoji virtuvėlė” as a functioning social enterprise platform. The internal procedures developed during the project will enable autistic young people to participate in the organization’s governance and represent their interests in the future.
Project Budget
Total project budget: 28,758 EUR
