Galileo work program students share their experiences

The Social Integration Work Program at the Galileo Adult Education Centre in Montreal North has grown over the past decade. Students Nancy Leopardi, Erica Farini and Ruby Ipekian, alongside their teacher Luciana Franceschini, shared their internship experiences on an Inspirations News podcast March 14 at a time when the students were completing work placements at Mode de Vie and Home Depot.  

Podcast host Mark Bergman: Welcome to another edition of the Inspirations News podcast. I’m very excited to talk to my friends at Galileo. Luciana, could you tell us what the Social Integration Work Program is all about? 

Luciana: Sure! We work with our students to help them integrate into the workforce, discussing skills like responsibility and time management, but also about themselves.  

The second part is an internship where they get to practice these skills in the field.

Mark: Nancy, tell us why you’re participating in the program. 

Nancy: At my job, they don’t judge me on my disability. They treat me like a team worker, and they ask [my opinion]. 

Mark: How does that make you feel?  

Nancy: I’m very proud because I feel I am part of the team. 

Mark: Ruby, how did Galileo help prepare you for this stage [internship]? 

Ruby: I like the school and my teachers. We watch videos about security and communication. 

Luciana: Our students have proven that they are capable – we just have to be willing to adapt to their way of learning. They are really good with structure and routine, have amazing attention to detail, and can accomplish so much.  

Mark: There [seems to be] a sense of belonging as well. 

Luciana: One hundred percent. The internship part is amazing because it connects them socially to the community.  

Erica: Sometimes it’s hard with my problems and insecurities. I am thankful for the people who support me. 

Luciana: It proves to them that we believe in them, so they need to believe in themselves too!  

Mark: Nancy, what would you tell somebody who is not sure about hiring someone with disabilities? 

Nancy: Just give us a chance, and we’ll give you 150 percent.  

Mark: What advice would you give to someone who’s afraid to go into the workforce? 

Ruby: Be strong, be courageous, be positive.  

Erica: Believe in yourself and don’t let people tell you you’re not able to do it. 
Mark: Thank you! Those are great words to end on.