“Master…soap”
The objective of this programme, which was implemented at the PEK/PWD Day Care Centre for mentally disabled adults, was to educate and empower, though skills development training, ten (10) mentally disabled adults. The programme’s beneficiaries were trained in the preparation and packaging of handmade soap and in taking on the role of instructors, so that they could in their turn train forty (40) mentally disabled adults from other similar Centres.
The trainees acquired the basic requisite skills for soap preparation and packaging, transferring knowledge and, most importantly, for assuming an active role as instructors, which is the programme’s truly innovative and original contribution.
The programme’s trainer spoke to us about the progress made by E.L., one of the participants:
“E.L. was able to fully meet the demands of the programme. She assumed the role of instructor, was giving trainees the time to practice, was correcting them either verbally or physically (by placing her own hand over the trainee’s hand, so that they could make a particular move together) and was actively boosting their confidence (“Well done!”, “You’re doing great!”). Although she had repeatedly said that she was very anxious about doing well in her role, she actually managed to deal with her anxiety quite successfully in the presentations made.”
The programme was launched in April 2019 and ran until March 2020.
“When you know that someone believes in you right from the start, you are already one step closer to success.”
Fotini Margari, PEK/PWD President
