The project addresses the problem of social exclusion of people with disabilities in Śrem County. Unfortunately, there are a number of barriers that prevent these people from acquiring new competencies and actively participating in society – these are both systemic and personal barriers. There are still many stereotypes about people with disabilities, also among children and young people in the region. However, this is a very heterogeneous group, with different problems but also different opportunities to participate in social and working life. Unfortunately, there is a lack of innovative local activities enabling people with disabilities to acquire new competencies, social and vocational skills.

As part of the project, 15 people with disabilities, participants of the Occupational Therapy Workshop in Śrem, including 6 people with intellectual disabilities, were trained to work as eco-educators. They received psychological counselling and took part in a series of theoretical and practical training sessions on organic vegetable and herb cultivation, the use of vegetables and herbs in healthy cooking and communication with children, group work and animation. After the trainings, these people led educational and integration meetings in two primary schools and two kindergartens for a total of 183 children.

Thanks to the project, 15 people with disabilities have gained new skills and competences to work in the field of ecology and education. Their self-confidence, self-esteem and sense of influence over their lives have increased. Several people also developed their leadership and self-advocacy competences. The children who took part in the workshops not only improved their knowledge of ecology and nature, but above all their awareness of people with disabilities, their needs and their capabilities increased.