Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Amicos Illuminates the Future of Work in Mérida:”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
The social association Amicos, originally from Galicia, is experiencing exponential growth in Extremadura, where it has established itself as a benchmark for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, autism, or cerebral palsy. Through innovative employment and training programs, the social entity is building new job and future opportunities in cities like Mérida.
The stories of overcoming challenges are the best reflection of their work. This is the case of Raúl Cabanilla, who received a call from Amicos to take a green spaces course. Thanks to this training, he has participated in planting gardens in emblematic places of the city, such as the Plaza de España, and now feels proud to see them flourish. “I have seen how plants are planted and how they grow little by little, watering them and removing the weeds,” he explains.
“I thought I was going to work in something else.”
Raúl Cabanilla, Amicos user
The course has not only given him knowledge he didn't have but has also opened an unexpected job door at a campsite. Raúl, who also plans to train as a forklift operator, admits he had never imagined himself in this sector: “I thought I was going to work in something else, as a warehouse assistant.”
For her part, Chari Pacheco has trained in event assistant and ceramic assistant courses, the latter in collaboration with the Inés Cerámica workshop. There she has learned the entire artisanal process, from recycling clay to decorating the pieces. The group has created figures inspired by local culture, such as the Extremaduran holm oak or the clipeus of the Mérida Classical Theatre Festival. Although she is now waiting for a new course, Chari says she feels “fulfilled” and very welcomed.
A Benchmark of Opportunities
Behind each story are the association's technicians, like Maru Gallardo and Desiree Fernández. Their main function is “to help people in their job search,” a path that, they explain, is complicated, and more so for people with disabilities. “Our work consists of accompanying them and guiding them in that job search,” Maru emphasizes.
The technical team insists that their work is only one of accompaniment. “Here the true protagonists are the participants,” says Desiree. The satisfaction is immense, like when Chari got her first contract last year or when Raúl found an unexpected vocation.
Growth and Future in Extremadura
In its barely two years of trajectory in the region, Amicos has achieved important milestones, partly thanks to the support of institutions like the Mérida City Council. Last year they facilitated 45 annual contracts, a figure that demonstrates the impact of their work. For this 2024, they have already finished three courses and have two more underway, one for warehouse operator and another for school canteen monitor.
Based in the Plaza de los Escritores, the entity has ambitious plans. “We foreseeably have on the table growing in Extremadura, not only in Mérida, but expanding the territory a little to reach more and more people who need it,” advances Desiree. Among future projects, even a sound technician course is being considered.
Source: Read the original article | Published: April 22, 2026