The Work Integration Social Enterprise Vedelar of the Fundación Secretariado Gitano receives a visit from the Secretary of State for Social Economy [editar]

The Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE) Vedelar, Gardening and Forestry Work, promoted by the Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG) in Asturias, received a visit from the Secretary of State for Social Economy, María Amparo Merino, and the Special Commissioner for Social Economy, Jaime Iglesias, on 22 October. Also participating in the visit were Sara Giménez, Director General of the FSG; Victor García, Regional Director of the FSG in Asturias and administrator of Vedelar; and other representatives linked to the social economy, such as Juan Carlos Guerrero, Councillor for Education, Sport, Training and Employment of the Avilés City Council; Aránzazu González, Director General of Business and Trade of the Principality of Asturias; and Begoña López, Managing Director of the Public Employment Service of the Principality of Asturias.

WISEs such as Vedelar seek to promote the social and labour market inclusion of people at risk of social exclusion through economic activity. They are regulated by law in Spain and require that at least 50% of their workforce be made up of workers on inclusion pathways. These are commercial companies or cooperatives promoted by non-profit organisations, such as in this case the Fundación Secretariado Gitano.

‘WISEs are an example of how the economy should also be at the service of people, and how economic profitability can coexist with social justice,’ said Sara Giménez, FSG‘s Director General, during the visit. ‘We are offering an alternative for job creation, with those who find it most difficult to enter the labour market.’

For her part, the Secretary of State, Amparo Merino, in addition to highlighting the inclusive nature of this business model for people at risk of social vulnerability, recalled the importance of its ultimate goal: ‘to facilitate the transition to regular employment.’ In this regard, she continued, ‘this is even more so in the case of the Roma population, which suffers from structural discrimination, which is why the WISE is a very important mechanism for focusing on these people who have absolutely fundamental potential.’

After visiting the facilities, Merino stated that ‘these types of projects are closely linked to sustainability, both in terms of territorial roots and economic, social and environmental sustainability. Three fundamental elements that go hand in hand at Vedelar.’

The data supports Vedelar's 15 years of activity

In its 15 years of activity, Vedelar has proven to be a consolidated and transformative model capable of offering social and labour inclusion alternatives linked to green jobs to those who need it most. It offers integrated and personalised processes in the gardening and forestry sector, through professional training and social support to promote the social and labour inclusion of its participants.

Vedelar was established in 2009 as a continuation of the training provided by the Local Inclusion Plan of the Avilés City Council, and at that time achieved a 70% integration rate of its participants into the labour market. During this time, 60 people have passed through the company with an employment contract, with 33% of the workforce in the integration modality. It currently has 14 employees.

Vedelar's clients include institutions, companies and individuals, with 16% of its turnover coming from work for the public administration and 84% from private work.

Turnover has grown steadily since its inception. While Vedelar had a turnover of €256 000 in 2010, last year it reached €446 000.

In 2024, Vedelar received the ASATA award, from the organisation representing the Asturian social economy, for Best Social Economy Company for its commitment to labour inclusion and the sustainability of the model.

Vedelar is part of the social economy network in Asturias through its membership of ADEIPA (Association of Integration Companies of the Principality of Asturias).