November 21, 2022

Certain people have an ability to inspire and show others the right path to follow. Dr. Wassim is such a person. I believe that his initiative to create jobs for individuals with special needs, giving them a chance to become known and prove their abilities, while at the same time giving us the opportunity to know them and learn from them, is a step towards a better world. Thank you Dr. Wassim.

Interview with Dr. Wassim, founder of the Agonista Café, a coffee shop that primarily employs people with special needs.
Agonista was founded in 2018 based on a desire to help provide a vision of a better future for adults with special needs. It is the first establishment of its kind in the MENA region. The café has two locations in Lebanon; one on Zalka Highway and one in City Centre Beirut, Hazmieh.

Scentle: When did you feel the desire to launch Agonista Cafe?

Dr. Wassim:

How it all started:
During my years working as a physiotherapist, I had the privilege of assisting individuals with special needs as my patients. Over time, I noticed that they had strong mental and physical capabilities and that they wanted to be involved and included in society. They did not like the fact that they were dependent on their parents, their families, and their schools and they wished for the same opportunities and independence of their siblings – to attend university, to work, and to make money.
I started thinking of ways I could help them. I researched the issue and I discovered that having them work in a simple operation, such as a coffee shop, is a good starting point. Additionally, it was a business that was easier than others to fund. Training them would not be difficult and a coffee shop would give them the chance to communicate with others, which is an important step in allowing people to interact with them and not fear them. I wanted to break the taboo.

The impact of employment on the lives of people with special needs:
As I first mentioned, my goal as a physiotherapist was to heal them and to reduce any bodily pain so they could carry out their daily routine by themselves and be independent in their everyday life.
Since opening Agonista, I have witnessed the positive influence working has had on them – on their life as a whole, on their personality, and on their parents. When they understood that they could work and be efficient like anyone else, they gained confidence and trust in themselves. Their parents were proud of them. They used to be timid about going out with their parents and being around people; today, they do it more often. They now feel acknowledged and recognized; they have even made friends on social media.
Today, I myself am a changed man. I have a larger mission in life, a mission that I share with them. This project is a big part of my life and my heart; it is my mission as much as it is a part of their hearts and dreams. It has created a strong bond between us.

An example:
Elie started working at Agonista Café at the age of 41. Although he suffers from some health issues, he has an excellent memory. Elie had gone to school, but then remained at home until he joined us.
During his first year at Agonista, on an exceptionally harsh stormy day when people could not get to work, Elie arrived with his father. His father told me “How you have influenced my son’s life is astonishing, you won’t believe it.” He went on to explain that until that day, Elie always refused to leave his home when it was raining. Today, it was the father who did not want to leave the house, yet Elie would not accept to stay at home. He wanted to go to work.
I realized then the positive impact the café and I have had on these people.

 

Scentle: What is the Wellbeing Effect of people with special needs on the company as a whole, on the team, on the clientele and on you personally?

Dr. Wassim:

Wellbeing effect on my company:
They bring a large portion of positivity and energy; they instill us with the energy and strength to continue and persevere. Their dedication is exceptional and they do their job really well. When they are given a task, they carry it out without complaint, exactly as directed, and on time. They do not procrastinate. They love coming to work every day.
Johnny, for example, wakes his father up every morning to drive him to work. The father mildly complains, but when he wakes him up, Johnny would have already laid out his clothes for him.
Their love for the job itself is greater than their love for money. We had to lower salaries, but no one thought of leaving. Some are willing to work for nothing.

Wellbeing effect on the team:
We spoke to Hamada, a member of the Agonista team. He said “It was the first time I ever worked with people with special needs. They teach you things you didn’t know. They teach you to love life fully. They give you hope for tomorrow. They motivate you with their energy, enthusiasm, and passion for work. They are friendly and honest; if you make a mistake, they tell you about it. They always treat you well. My colleague and I are more enthusiastic about going to work just to be with them.”
“On a personal level, this experience has changed the way I deal with my own family. I used to return home from work tired. I would go to my room without even speaking to my mother. Now, when I go home, I sit with her and take the time to tell her about my day. I now even talk to my brother every day, while before I used to ignore him. My relationship with my family is healthier. In general, I treat people with love, always trying to work things out in case of an incident. I used to be a nervous guy; now I am calm. I am a better person and I feel more comfortable with myself.”
“I am glad of the impact people with special needs have on others. They show people who they are and teach them the right way to react and communicate with them, not to complain and make fun of them. They transfer a message of equality. For them, it is important to work in order to project how their presence makes a difference.”

Wellbeing effect on the clientele:
We are receiving grants from people to keep the coffee shop open. Some of our clients are now friends with our special needs employees. Whenever they feel a bit down, they come to Agonista to be around them, to feed on their happiness and energy. They always leave feeling much better. Clients learn to value what they have and complain less when they are around them.
Even though we faced some difficulties in the training and in the operation at the beginning, we were surprised at our clients’ positive attitudes. They reacted with a smile and a lot of patience, sometimes exchanging wrong drink orders from table to table; other times telling jokes just to console our employees and encourage them to continue. Clients accepted them easily.

Wellbeing effect on myself, my personal experience:
These loved ones impacted me on a personal level. Their influence has made me more appreciative, and I rarely get angry nowadays. People with special needs are a blessing to me, to the team, to the clients, and I suppose to anyone who has the chance to meet them.
I strongly encourage companies to consider hiring individuals with special needs, without hesitation. Taking the next step, starting by hiring one person, can bring immense benefits to the company. All they need is a chance and a little training. Their dedication to the work and exemplary attitude are a blessing for the people and the place, wherever they are. They are a constant provider of free positive energy every day to everyone around them.

Scentle: Can we meet with some of the team?

Dr. Wassim: 

Johny and Georges are with us today:

Johnny (29 years old): “I like to communicate with people!” Johnny has Down Syndrome and loves music. He is always dancing, so much that clients sometimes start dancing with him.

Georges (28 years old): A funny guy with so much energy. Georges is everywhere on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (Positive vibes by Georges).
Georges also has Down Syndrome. He has been with Agonista for four years and is capable of running the café by himself. “This is my first job. I enjoy my work at the café. It gives me confidence, the chance to work and be productive. I am grateful and proud when people see me working. I have a dream. I would love to see Agonista opening in countries around the world. That is what I ask of Dr. Wassim.”