Memet is 20-year-old man, diagnosed with moderate mental retardation. He was institutionalized from an early age in the “Traian” Placement Center. He became a beneficiary of LEAD project in mid-2019, while he was studying at the Albatros School Center for Inclusive Education “Albatros”. Then he wanted to be involved in volunteer activities. With the support of our colleague, Alina, Supported Employment specialist with HAO, Memet participated enthusiastically in the activities of the Intelect Parc project, coordinated by the “Together for the Future” Association.
In 2021, after finishing his studies (cooking/confectionery specialization), Memet contacted Alina again, because he wanted a job. Our colleague talked to the young man, in order to do his vocational profiling and to evaluate the progress made by him in the last two years. Memet is skillful, tidy and he often works in the Center’s kitchen. He cleans his room and takes care of his own clothes. In addition, Alina noted that the young man has well-developed skills in the area of social interaction and artistic expression. In his spare time, Memet likes to get involved in volunteering activities and to dance.
Subsequently, our colleague and Memet began the process of identifying a job according to the training and interests of the young man. Initially, she recommended him to HAO collaborators, but this approach was not successful. At the end of July, the young man alongside Alina attended the Job Fair organised by the Constanta County Recruitment and Employment Agency. On that occasion, Memet was interviewed by a representative of McDonald’s restaurants. Unfortunately, this interview did not end with a positive response.
In August, HAO started collaborating with Carrefour Romania, with which our team organised an experience exchange attended by young adults with disabilities enrolled in the LEAD project, including Memet. Alina noticed that the young man was very enthusiastic about this meeting, expressing his interest in working in a hypermarket. As a result, our colleague recommended Memet to Carrefour Romania’s Human Resources Department. The employer’s representatives easily identified the place where the young man could have been integrated thanks to the detailed information about Memet provided by Alina.
Our colleague has kept in touch with both the young man and the department manager. Memet’s progress was visible and steady. His supervisor has appreciated the young man’s efforts. According to Alina, he can quickly lose concentration if the activity is complex or if fatigue occurs, but he can handle products and boxes and he can use kitchen appliances. Two months after being hired, Memet asked to work full time. He is serious and conscientious at work; he respects the schedule and he correctly fulfills his assigned tasks.
“His sincere openness and motivation to work and become independent are the main reasons for the success in Memet’s case”, said Alina.
