YEREVAN, July 7. /ARKA/. In 2017, the Step Forward NGO initiated production of cardboard cups to create jobs for teenagers with special needs and help their integration into society. Now 19 teenagers with special needs work in shifts at the production facility with 12 hour employment a week.

The Step Forward was created by parents of children with special needs, so that they become full members of society. The children's center also offers therapeutic and recreational activities.

The social initiative Hand in Hand of the Step Forward NGO is one of the winners of the annual grant program of the Stepan Gishyan Charitable Foundation, which provided funds for purchase of a machine for the production of cardboard cups.

Branded cups can be ordered by anyone, from individuals to organizations.

"The production process is a chain of repetitive actions, which create an ideal environment for these teenagers to work independently and earn money under the supervision of craftsmen and professionals. The children enthusiastically participate in this production process, and we know that among disposable tableware, these laminated cups are the safest for both people and the environment," said Stepan Gishyan Charitable Foundation Director Anna Gishyan.

Head of the educational department of the center Arpine Ashotyan, in turn, noted that when the therapeutic work was carried out, the idea emerged to open a small business and show that children with special needs also have abilities and that these abilities can be developed and integrated into society.

"In this case, the children are able to talk to a new person every time they place an order, which is a big enough step to overcome these barriers. At the same time, they make deliveries and meet different people each time, which allows children to overcome communication challenges. From that point of view, the program has made a big difference for us," Ashotyan said.

Stepan Gishyan Charitable Foundation was established by Acba Bank, French Credit Agricole, the National Federation of Credit Agricole and Stepan Gishyan's family. The programs of the foundation are aimed at strengthening the Armenian-French relations, improving the social-economic, scientific-educational, cultural and medical systems of Armenia.

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