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Academia-VUM: a best-practice from Bulgaria on inclusive employment for individuals from diver

Academica-VUM is a joint initiative between Varna University of Management and International College Ltd. and financially supported by the Agency for People with Disabilities. Established as a Bistro, it offers restaurant and catering services while promoting inclusive employment, particularly for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Its central location and proximity to public institutions have also contributed to its success and popularity.

Context

Conceived in 2020, Academica-VUM began operating in 2021 as a Protected Employment Centre with the primary goal of providing long-term employment for individuals with multiple disabilities, particularly intellectual ones. Academica-VUM originated from Varna University of Management’s desire to create an informal space for students and faculty to relax. Simultaneously, the Agency for People with Disabilities issued guidelines supporting the creation of Protected Employment Centres. This alignment of Academica-VUM’s plans with the agency’s guidelines led to the integration of a social mission into the university’s project, combining the needs of people with disabilities seeking employment with the university’s objectives. Of the current 29 employees, 15 have disabilities, no prior work experience, and a reduced work capacity of over 50%.

Implementation

Roles such as sales assistants, assistant cooks, bakers, and gardeners were created from the beginning of the project. Job assignments are carefully matched to individual capabilities, ensuring fair opportunities for everyone. Given that many employees have had limited access to education, the program provides professional training through individual and group sessions with the objective of facilitating a seamless integration into the working environment. In the initial stages, practical culinary arts training and professional catering skills are imparted. Continuous personal development training is provided through several sessions of English as a foreign language as well as soft skills. Mentorship and professional growth opportunities are tailored to each person’s specific needs and abilities, helping guide their career paths. In addition, employees receive support from a dedicated team that includes a social worker, a psychologist, and four mentors with expertise in different fields. This support system ensures that employees remain actively engaged in the workforce, improves their adaptability and social standing. Mentors also assist them in securing employment beyond the project, should they choose to do so.

Enabling Factors

An enabling factor for its initial success was the institutional funding provided to Academica-VUM. This financial support from the Agency for People with Disabilities under the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy has allowed Academica-VUM to operate as one of the few Protected Employment Centres in Bulgaria. A second enabling factor is Academica-VUM’s strong social mission to foster community involvement. Engagement in this social cause cultivates satisfaction among faculty, students, and external customers. Academica-VUM’s commitment to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities enhances community participation, motivating stakeholders to utilise Academica-VUM’s services. Due to its strong social responsibility, Academica-VUM attracts corporate clients who support the centre’s development by ordering catering services.

Barriers

Academica-VUM faces two main challenges: training the workforce and maintaining operations. Many newly appointed employees lack prior work experience. Consequently, extensive training sessions are necessary to facilitate their integration into the workforce, ensuring they understand their duties, adhere to safety protocols, and acquire essential professional skills and knowledge in the culinary field. Additionally, an imminent challenge is the termination of support from the Agency for People with Disabilities in 2025. This loss of funding poses a significant threat to the centre’s operations. Continued financial support is crucial for maintaining motivation among staff and ensuring future sustainability.

Impact on the Organisation

Academica-VUM is committed to actively involving employees in the work process to enhance job satisfaction. Academica-VUM promotes a feedback culture regarding both staff and administrative performance, aiming toward continuous improvement.

Quotes

‘This comprehensive support aims to help participants become actively engaged in the labour market, enhance their professional adaptability and social standing, and provide them with the opportunity to continue working beyond the project.’

‘The social aspect of this initiative is highly valued by the entire staff involved, not only in the bistro but also by the VUM team and students who visit the bistro or use its services.’

‘The satisfaction of those engaged in managing the bistro is greatly influenced by the social cause behind its establishment.’
‘Our centre has proven that with the necessary support, help, and training, people with disabilities can perform just as well as anyone else.’

 

Lessons Learned

Integrating employment opportunities with a support network has proven to be highly effective for individuals with disabilities. Their adaptation to the workplace can be attributed to several factors: effective mentorship, comprehensive training, and their eagerness to work. Secondly, Academica-VUM underscores the significance of addressing social stigmas. Academica-VUM promotes an inclusive environment for people with disabilities by offering them an opportunity to engage in the workforce, collaborate within teams, and enhance their professional skills, contributing meaningfully to society. This initiative showcases the potential for expanding protected employment models across Europe.

Future Plans

Academica-VUM will continue to enhance staff training through rotations across various work positions, enabling employees to acquire diverse skills. To address the challenge of the lack of funding, Academica-VUM is exploring strategies to become permanently established in the market while seeking public support and government co-financing to ensure the continued success of its initiatives.

Links with UN Sustainable Development Goals

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