Over six weeks, Rai Tre airs a documentary-drama on Monday nights featuring six young adults with Down syndrome—three men and three women, ages 19 to 31—interning at a luxury hotel in Rome. Each has been assigned a specific role: reception desk, bar, housekeeping, maintenance, kitchen, or dining service. For many of them, this is a first taste of real work, often involving contact with guests. An educator and dedicated tutor help them navigate the demands—respecting schedules, learning procedures, mastering their tasks. The hotel's director and staff have welcomed them warmly and attentively, though they are also, rightly, held to professional standards. The educators, who know each young person well, play a crucial role in bridging that gap.
Their families follow along with genuine affection, proud above all that their children finally have the chance to face a challenge they have long dreamed of—and waited for.
We don't yet know how the internship will end, or whether any of them will be offered permanent positions at the hotel.
The concept is adapted from a Swedish program and tailored to the Italian context. The format itself is not entirely novel; what is striking is the authenticity and directness of the participants themselves. The program is supervised by AIPD, which stands ready to connect interested employers with potential hires.
Edited by Cristina Tersigni, 2014