About me
NAME: Agnieszka Niedzielska
COUNTRY: Poland
NATIONALITY: Polish
BACKGROUND: University
SECTOR: Services
POSITION: Owner, Manager
ORGANIZATION: Sheltered workshop, Foundation “Contiego”
My Background and Career
I was born in Krakow. I’ve brought up three children, alone. I run my own business - trade, I also worked as a teacher at the school. I graduated from the Spanish philology because of interest.
Since 8 years I devoted to the wonderful work for Foundation Contiego, which was co-founded with my partner (poor health experienced by fate - heart surgery). The Foundation was established in order to organize and conduct of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, which employs 32 people with severe or moderate disability. In Foundation works eight people with disabilities. We are primarily concerned on catering services. We specialize in traditional Polish and regional cuisine. On a daily basis I coordinate the work of the Foundation and the Center of Vocational Rehabilitation. Work with persons with disabilities gives me special joy and satisfaction.
My Experience
The enormous difficulties encountered when creating the Foundation from the bureaucracy and piled up, not quite legitimate requirements for organizing the Department for a period of more than two years. Determination, perseverance, commitment and shared mutual support, belief that impossible will become possible. These features helped achieve the goal.
The success is accompanied by honesty, integrity, quality, respect for what you do and for whom, meaning the client.
Hints & Tips
SENTENCE OF LUCK: "Love is respect for life in all its aspects (I love life)."
I'm very open to new experiences. I wonder how works other solutions in similar establishments in Europe, where people with disabilities are employed particularly in the catering industry.
We only have one life. We must not waste it. Winning it by perseverance.
I was looking for happiness for others and found it to myself. This Foundation in Spanish called Contiego (WITH YOU) gives sense to my life.