The association “Lietaus vaikai” (Rain Children), operating in the Mažeikiai district, works every day to create an environment where autistic children and young people can grow, learn, develop independence, and find their place in the community. Today, these opportunities are being further expanded with the support of the Ignitis Renewables wind farm operating in the region. Funding was provided through the Renewable Electricity Generation Contribution Distribution Scheme for Community Organisations.
The funding enabled the association to implement the project “Lietaus vaikai Mobile Café”, aimed at helping autistic young people develop practical employment skills. The initiative will provide a real-life working environment where participants can strengthen their independence, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for future employment.
Practical skills that open the door to independence
As part of the project, a food trailer has been equipped to serve as a practical learning space for autistic young people. Here, they will gain experience in food preparation and serving, hygiene practices, customer service, teamwork, and responsibility for assigned tasks.
“Activities like these help develop not only vocational skills but also social competencies. Young people learn how to communicate with customers, plan their work, handle everyday situations, and build self-confidence,” says Justina Padskočienė, Head of the Mažeikiai Autism Association “Lietaus vaikai.”
According to her, it is especially important for autistic young people to have opportunities to learn in a safe and supportive environment where theoretical knowledge can be applied in practice. The new food trailer will provide exactly that opportunity.
Support that creates long-term value
The food trailer will be more than just a place for practical training. It is expected to become a community gathering space that promotes greater mutual understanding and encourages a more positive attitude towards neurodiversity.
“Everyone deserves to feel valued and to have opportunities to learn and contribute to community life. This project helps create exactly those opportunities for our young people. We also plan to take part in local community events and town festivals with the food trailer, where we can meet residents, introduce our activities, and strengthen connections within the community,” says J. Padskočienė.
According to the association’s leader, initiatives like this not only help develop practical skills but also build self-confidence, encourage active participation in community life, and create more opportunities for the future.
Bringing the benefits of renewable energy to local communities
The project is funded through the Renewable Electricity Generation Contribution Distribution Scheme for Community Organisations, which aims to ensure that the value created by renewable energy projects benefits nearby communities.
The wind farm operating in the Mažeikiai district is one of Ignitis Renewables’ largest projects in Lithuania. With an installed capacity of 63 MW, the wind farm comprises 14 modern wind turbines that generate green electricity and contribute to Lithuania’s energy independence. At the same time, the benefits created by the project extend to local communities, enabling them to implement initiatives that matter most to them. This project by the Mažeikiai Autism Association “Lietaus vaikai” is one such example.
Creating more opportunities for the future
The project’s initiators hope that the food trailer will become an important step towards increasing employment opportunities for autistic young people and supporting their integration into society. Every new experience, newly acquired skill, and successfully completed task contributes to greater self-confidence and helps build a more sustainable future.
This example demonstrates that renewable energy projects create more than clean electricity. They can also generate long-term social value for local communities. The “Rain Children’s” food trailer will become a place where not only new skills are developed, but also greater confidence, independence, and more opportunities for a fulfilling future.
