The initiative seeks to support the labor inclusion and entrepreneurship of people with visual and hearing disabilities. According to the Second National Survey on Disability of the National Institute of Statistics (2016), 10.2% of the population of Guatemala reported having some type of disability (around 1.7 million people).
Visual and auditory (sensory) disabilities were the most reported. In addition, only about 20% of people with disabilities who are in the economically active population work, of which 2% do so in the formal economy.
“We are excited to support a project that will impact the generation of quality employment to reduce levels of poverty and inequality, boost productivity and create opportunities that will foster better socioeconomic conditions,” said Luis De Sousa, general manager of EPA.
The way in which people can donate is when they pay for the products at the checkout, the person in charge will ask them if they want to collaborate by rounding up the total value of their purchase or if they want to donate an extra amount.
The initiative will remain active for 12 months and customers can donate at all stores located on the highway to El Salvador, Plaza Madero, Rambla 10 and Portales.
The job inclusion and entrepreneurship program that will be supported aims to facilitate access to work for people with disabilities, opening job opportunities, advising companies to incorporate adjustments, developing skills and competencies in job candidates and improving market access for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
“We deeply appreciate the trust and support of EPA’s customers. The donations will be used to expand and improve opportunities for technical training and improvement through the labor inclusion of people with visual or hearing disabilities, so that they have a dignified and independent life, as is their right. For an inclusive Guatemala!” commented María de los Ángeles Soberanis Aguirre de Rueda, president of the board of directors of the Meritorious Committee for the Blind and Deaf of Guatemala.
The Benemérito Pro-Blind and Deaf Committee of Guatemala is a private, social and educational organization founded in 1945. Its commitment is to provide comprehensive services with efficiency and advanced technology, through prevention programs and services, to provide visual and hearing health to the population, to facilitate their inclusion in society allowing them to have a decent life.
