For four years, a 27-year-old resident of Sant Boi de Llobregat, who has Down syndrome, has successfully integrated as a waiter at Grup Tragaluz. Initially, he observed his colleagues to learn the dynamics of service, but quickly acquired the necessary skills to become an essential team member.
“"I'm not as fast, but I am efficient. I set tables, place napkins, put out knives, glasses, cups, and do a bit of everything."
His relationship with colleagues is excellent, although he admits that he sometimes has to be patient with insistent customers. For him, having his own job has been fundamental for his personal development, allowing him to gain great self-confidence.
The manager of the Tragaluz restaurant, who has been his mentor since day one, highlights his dedication and punctuality. He states that the young man is very hardworking and has never let them down, considering him a key part of the team who always gets the job done, at his own pace.
“"He is punctual, knows what he has to do at all times, and I am super happy to have him on our team because he is an extra pair of hands. He's not just there; he works. At his own pace, but he gets work done."
This mutual trust has led to a shared dream: opening their own tapas restaurant together, which already has a name in mind: Brothers. The young man is enthusiastic about the idea, stating that he doesn't have dreams, but objectives.
This success story has been made possible thanks to the Catalan Down Syndrome Foundation, which facilitated his job placement through the Incorpora program of the la Caixa Foundation. A job prospector from the FCSD explains that their role is to create networks and provide support to both beneficiaries and companies looking to hire staff.
In just one year, the Incorpora program has achieved the job placement of 9,000 people in the province of Barcelona. The Grup Tragaluz restaurants, for example, have already welcomed about twenty workers through this service.
