Ergastiri Eidikis Agogis Margarita

VTC Margarita is a specialized centre for vocational training and employment for people with intellectual disabilities in Athens, Greece. It hosts nearly 100 students, who all have the chance to participate in entertaining, cultural and educational activities. It also supports 45 persons, who are working at the free labour market. The services provided by VTC Margarita are: Education and Special Vocational Training — Sheltered Workshops —Employment Opportunities (Margarita provides beneficiaries occupational orientation and support aiming at their integration in the free labour market.) —Parallel Support Services —Supported Living. Their goal is to provide young people with intellectual disabilities chances for personal development and progress, realization of their rights, autonomous living and social and professional integration. Their vision is equality and total inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the society, in order for them to lead the fullest possible lives. For VTC Margarita, Art isn’t just a medium of self-understanding and expression but also supports the communication and the autonomy of people with intellectual disabilities. It is a horizontal element in the operation of VTC Margarita as it provides opportunities to participate in creative activities, socialize, and develop communicational and emotional expression skills. Since 2019, VTC Margarita decided to invest in the development of a well-rounded Atelier of Visual Arts that will develop the artistic knowledge and skills of the service users. It aims to cultivate the expressive skills and the creativity of adults with intellectual disabilities while also training them in professional careers in the field of Art & Culture. The Atelier collaborates closely with 13m2 Gallery, which is owned by VTC Margarita.