OSI Grantee Wins the European Union's Handinnov Europe 2008 Award

"Different but Together," a project of the Pentru Voi Foundation funded by the Open Society Mental Health Initiative, has won the Handinnov Europe 2008 award for Romania. The prize is awarded to organizations that have introduced exemplary practices in the European Union that enhance the social inclusion of young disabled people in school, work, and society.

The “Different but Together” project aims to secure employment for people with intellectual disabilities in Romania. So far, the program has found employment for 86 persons with intellectual disabilities.

"We are proud of this success and we hope that our program will inspire policymakers from Romania and the EU to create real opportunities for employment for people with intellectual disabilities," said Laila Onu, Executive Director of Pentru Voi.

Organized within the framework of the French Presidency of the EU, in cooperation with the European Disability Forum, the fifth Handinnov competition has awarded one organization per member state of the European Union.

Recipients of the award will participate in major events organized by the French Presidency of the European Union. The first gathering will be held in Paris from November 26-28, 2008.

Earlier this year, the "Different but Together" project won the top prize at the Romanian Civil Society Gala 2008.