SOCIETY

The Non-profit Company under the name "LYSO Educational - Management Company" with the distinctive title "The Garden of LYSOUS", was founded in 2016. It is supported and funded by sponsorships and donations from private and public institutions and has a vision with special importance. The integration of adults with intellectual disabilities and mild disabilities into society, giving them the tools to be and feel equal members.

The non-profit project, which is being implemented by "THE GARDEN OF LYSUS", concerns the education and training of adults with mental retardation and slight disabilities in the cultivation of organic products.

The training is for three years and starts with simple practices in the cultivation of vegetables, aromatic and flowering plants both outdoors and in a greenhouse . Students are trained in all stages of primary sector production, from setting up a flower bed or preparing a plot of land to the sale of agricultural products. They come into contact with the appropriate equipment while any risk has been eliminated and receive all the necessary knowledge from qualified staff with the appropriate patience, support and encouragement.

          Also, as part of their training, they participate in groups in cycles of experiential exercises under the guidance of a social worker , so that alongside the lessons the children acquire social skills. They become familiar with the concepts of acceptance and cooperation so that they can set and achieve common goals, learn to manage stressful situations and discover their individual talents and talents, thus boosting their self-confidence.

There are 26 students from the region of Messinia registered in the programme. The lessons are held daily in small groups and their movement to and stay in the area is the sole responsibility of the staff. Due to the increasing number of applications from interested students, we hope to find the resources in the future to be able to accept them. As in addition to the fixed costs of the programme, financial support is often needed from several families of the students, so we feel obliged to take over.

        The driving force of the staff of this program is the hope that is born in the students every time they achieve something, the eagerness to be close to nature and to communicate with people who do not judge or underestimate them , the mutual respect and empathy.