From training to employment: fifteen deaf young people meet Eclosia companies

They arrived with a certificate in hand and, for several of them, a first job interview ahead. Around fifteen deaf young people completed a five-week training programme delivered by Enable Moris in collaboration with the Eclosia Group. Enable Moris is an organisation that works to foster inclusive practices within companies, enabling people with disabilities to build successful careers. Following the certificate presentation, they met representatives from several Group companies - Avipro, LFL, New Maurifoods, Les Moulins de la Concorde, KFC, FTL, Ninety-Six Hospitality and WeCycle - for job interviews.

During the programme, the participants developed essential skills to prepare for the workplace. They learned how to approach a job interview, adopt appropriate professional behaviour, receive feedback, solve problems and work as a team. They also visited several Eclosia companies to gain a better understanding of their activities and working environments.

The training was delivered by trainers who are themselves deaf, including Christopher Durhone. At just 22 years old, the former Deaflympics participant has been supporting deaf people for five years.
“I am incredibly proud of this group. They have opened their hearts and minds, and they now understand things differently,” he says.

In his address, Christopher Durhone also encouraged employers to look at skills before disability. According to him, deaf people bring strong powers of observation, concentration and learning. “Being different does not mean being weak. It is a strength,” he reminded the audience.

For Julian Tarbox, Chief Enablement Officer of Enable Moris, this cohort demonstrates above all the power of a community supporting and empowering its own members. “There is nothing more powerful than deaf people empowering other deaf people,” he says.