Occupational training for the mentally ill through landscaping projects

Abstract

The integration of mentally ill citizens through professional reorientation constitutes an important issue for a society that encourages human rights. The active involvement through work is important for the mentally ill as part of their therapy, but also for the society that can benefit from their actions. With respect to these issues, landscaping projects represent a good opportunity that fits properly with the requirements of this group, creating a positive environment through an active lifestyle, as well as for the society, that needs well-trained employees in a domain that continues to develop. In a sustainability- oriented society, the focus is on rehabilitating and maintaining the existing green areas as well as developing new ones. The article presents general considerations on the topic of training people with mental illnesses, through landscaping projects, as well as a case-study of such a program successfully implemented in Romania.