Varaždin Protective School Workshop

Project owner: Srednja strukova škola Varaždin/Secondary Vocational School Varaždin

Responsible person: Iva Janezic, Dražen Košćak

2022

Nominated

HR

Civil Society / Social Economy

What is it about?
Challenge

People with disabilities in Croatia face discrimination and high unemployment rates in Croatia with few opportunities. Varaždin Protective School (“Srednja strukovna škola Varaždin”) provides work by promoting their education, training and employment and active contribution to the community. The programme supports people with disabilities with secure employment to achieve financial independence.

Idea

Varaždin Protective School Workshop was founded in 1968 and is one of the first work integration programme for people with disabilities in Croatia. We employ and provide training in a wide range of activities from producing clothing to carpentry. Our programme adapts each position to meet each employee for them to reach their full potential on the job.

Actors

The programme works with people with disabilities and reduced working abilities at Varaždin Vocational School. All workshop employees have full employment rights under the school’s collective agreement. Our programme provides people with disabilities the opportunity to earn an income with dignified work and connect to the local community.

Impact

Through the programme, people with disabilities earn a steady income and raise their quality of life. We have also provided training for more than 3,000 participants. Our programme also raises awareness and fights discrimination toward people with disabilities. 

Transfer

Through the programme, people with disabilities earn a steady income and raise their quality of life. We have also provided training for more than 3,000 participants. Our programme also raises awareness and fights discrimination toward people with disabilities. Varaždin Protective School Workshop contributes to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the local community. The programme also advocates for further social responsibility, diversity, and solidarity in business and society.