• Together, they promote integration and employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the country

Kaufland Romania launched the “ACCES Caravan” together with George Balte, Kaufland ACCES program ambassador, former rugby player, wheelchair marathoner and motivational speaker, and director Tedi Necula. The project is a new retail initiative aimed at promoting equal opportunities by facilitating access to employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The caravan, which will cover nine cities in Romania, aims to provide information about the vacancies available in the company and a favorable working environment, supporting the employment of people with disabilities in Kaufland stores.

The ACCES caravan has already had two stops: on February 23 in Timisoara and on February 24 in Oradea. The following events will take place: March 8 in Cluj, April 5 in Sibiu, April 6 in Brasov, April 9 in Constanta, April 17 in Iasi, April 20 in Craiova and May 13 in Bucharest.

“As I have argued for a long time, I believe that diversity makes us stronger and is an engine of change in society.At Kaufland, we strive to create a friendly environment for everyone, including people with disabilities. And in order for as many people as possible to find out about employment opportunities in the company, we launched the ACCES Caravan, with the help of which we want to reach out to candidates and give them the opportunity to learn more about open vacancies and the work environment. We currently have more than 500 jobs open for people with disabilities, but they can apply for any open position in the company.” stated Esther Angelescudirector of recruitment and employer branding, Kaufland Romania.

About 200 people have already participated in the first meetings of the Caravan in Timisoara and Oradea. They had the opportunity to take part in interactive seminars, as well as learn about the experience of George Balte, who shared his professional background and the obstacles he had overcome. Director Tedi Nekula also gave advice to the audience, talking about the courage and motivation to rethink yourself when life puts you to the test.

“Life has taught me that every obstacle is an opportunity to prove one’s strength and resilience. I am glad that thanks to ACCES Caravan, I can share my teachings with other people with disabilities. That Kaufland succeeds as an employer is great because it gives all people the opportunity to (re)discover themselves through work, in a space where they are valued.” stated George Baltaambassador of the ACCESS program.

“I am happy to be able to participate in this initiative with George and Kaufland, because we all share a common goal: to inspire people to push their limits and find courage even in the most difficult moments of life. For those who won’t be able to make it to the caravan, here’s a thought I invite you to ponder:>.”, stated Teddy Nekuladirector.

Representatives of Kaufland were also present at the events: Esther Angleescu, Director of Recruitment and Employer Branding, Stefan Sfeatsu, ACCES Project Manager and Bohdan Kana, Recruitment Team Leader. They presented the company’s career opportunities and the recruitment process at Kaufland, followed by question-and-answer sessions and open discussions, during which they enthusiastically answered all the questions of the audience. In addition, people with disabilities interested in employment had the opportunity to apply for a place for available vacancies in Timisoara, Arada and Oradea.

In each location, the hearing-impaired audience benefited from the services of a sign language interpreter from the Romanian National Association of the Deaf. At the same time, both representatives of the General Directorates of Social Assistance and Child Protection, as well as relevant NGOs, were invited to both events, such as: Association of Locomotives with Disabilities from Timisoara and Oradea, National Association of the Deaf from Romania, branches in Timisoara and Oradea, Association “I am Autist” , “Get up and walk” etc.

At the end of the program, the audience enjoyed watching the film “Further” directed by Tedi Nekula, in which George Balte played the main role. The film tells the story of George’s life and paints a portrait of courage and perseverance in the face of challenges.

The Kaufland team continues to grow and anyone who wants to get a job can apply in several ways: online, at careere.kaufland.ro, by email at [email protected], by phone at 021 91 32 or by contacting your colleagues at the information desk in any Kaufland store in Romania.

Article supported by Kaufland