Project title: Activating from A to ZAZ
Beneficiary: Towarzystwa Inicjatyw Społecznych ALPI
Project Value: 2 760 793,50 PLN
EU Grant: 2 346 674,47 PLN
On 20 March 2019 took place the official opening of the Vocational Development Centre "Wytwórnia" (Polish: Zakład Aktywności Zawodowej – ZAZ). It is one of the five vocational activity centers in Podlaskie, but only this one deals with the process of production. The centre will produce pastas.
21 disabled people from Białystok and Białystok Poviat will be working there. They are under the care of Towarzystwo Wspierania Inicjatyw Społecznych ALPI. The ALPI association has been operating since 2008. From the beginning of its operation, it activated and supported people with intellectual disabilities.
"Wytwórnia" is based on an Italian recipe and an Italian teacher. It hopes to develop cooperation with shops and restaurants, so that the production brings profit.
"We invited our Sicilian friend, Giancarlo Russo, to teach and support us in the production of Italian pasta. He comes to us for several days of training. But our pasta is and will be from Podlaskie” - explains Piotr Bendiuk, president of ALPI - “We would like to invite flour producers from Podlaskie to cooperate with us, however Podlaskie eggs are already in our pasta”.
As a part of this project, a series of physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy classes have been undertaken. The project is aimed at professional activation of disabled people and help in finding a job in the labor market.
“Human being appreciates the possibility of work. For our friends – the participants of the project, working is like dreams coming true. And creating this place is our fulfillment” - said Iwona Masalska during the official opening of "Wytwórnia".
The project was financed by the European Social Fund under Regional Operational Programme for Podlaskie Voivodeship 2014-2020.
Photo: Marcin Nawrocki / Wrota Podlasia
