Ferretería Mi Casa MTS, with the support of Grupo Hijuelas, promotes the social and workplace inclusion of people with disabilities in Chile

In a joint effort to promote inclusion and skills development for people with cognitive disabilities, Grupo Hijuelas joined forces with Ferretería Mi Casa MTS and the Disability Office of the Municipality of Olmué to carry out a series of workshops and training activities.

The initiatives, which took place throughout the second half of 2024, included virtual meetings, field visits, introductory talks, and plant propagation workshops.

All of these activities encouraged the active participation of people with cognitive disabilities, with the aim of strengthening their skills in real-life, inclusive environments.

To conclude this year’s program, a special gathering was held in Olmué on December 19, with the participation of Grupo Hijuelas. Following its support through training sessions and the donation of supplies, gardening and decoration workshops were organized, sparking great interest and enthusiasm among the participants.

Video: Testimonials that showcase transformation and inclusion

Ricardo Cabello, Manager of Ferretería Mi Casa, highlighted the impact of the experience:

“It has completely transformed me because it offers a different perspective. We often do not have a clear understanding of what disability means or what working alongside people with disabilities really involves. It has been a joyful journey that gives us hope that next year will be even better. Our suppliers have always been willing to support us, and the participants have been motivated and happy to learn new skills.”

Pamela Cabello, partner at the hardware store, emphasized the importance of involving the broader community:

“It has been an experience that has helped us enormously, both personally and as a group. It has allowed people to realize that these young adults have many abilities and are capable of doing so many things. The experience has been 100% positive and has also given us the opportunity to meet many people involved in this wonderful project.”

Meanwhile, Daniela Gatica, Occupational Therapist at the Disability Office of the Municipality of Olmué, highlighted the importance of the initiative in supporting participants’ independence:

“We have a transition-to-independent-living workshop for adults with mental disabilities. What we have achieved here, together with Ferretería Mi Casa and Grupo Hijuelas, has been extremely rewarding. Thanks to their contributions, we have been able to learn about growing substrates, plants, and different gardening techniques, taking a very important step toward workplace and social inclusion.”

A future with more opportunities

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The successful collaboration between Ferretería Mi Casa, Grupo Hijuelas, and the Disability Office of Olmué has encouraged participants to continue developing new projects related to gardening.

“We want to create a vegetable garden and take part in more activities,” said some of the workshop participants, who see these initiatives as an opportunity to develop greater independence and access future employment opportunities.

Looking ahead to 2025, the organizers, partners, and beneficiaries hope to see the program continue and expand, further strengthening inclusion and the development of life and workplace skills for people with disabilities in the community of Olmué.

The support and cooperation of local companies and suppliers will remain essential to turning these goals into reality, strengthening the community through concrete initiatives that generate a direct and positive impact.

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