Our conversation with Margarita took place during an occupational therapy session with one of the girls living in the apartments in Kyustendil. She chooses her own occupation and that is to paint her nails. It turns out that she does not like to apply a second coat to her nails, and Margarita regularly teaches her that it is better to do it to make the polish more durable and the colour more intense.

• How did you decide to work in the social sphere?

I had a personal motive. I was at home after losing someone very close to me and one day a friend told me there was a position open at the Home for people with intellectual disabilities, they were looking for someone. I decided I was ready to go back to work. I worked there until it closed. I have been at Cedar’s Social Rehabilitation and Integration Centre for a year and a half, and I am a substitute.

• What do you like most about the job?

The interaction with the youth. Everyone has different interests. One likes to do one thing, like Emo with housekeeping. Angel likes making candles. That gives them pleasure. When they’re happy, I’m happy. It means I have done my job well.

• What motivates you the most at work?

When I see how they are doing, they are very capable. I am glad they are interested and like to work, to do all sorts of things. I do not give them specific tasks, I ask them what they want to do. And when they come into the occupational therapy room they are immediately ready to make soaps and candles.

• What do you like to do in your spare time?

As tired as I am, I always feel like doing gardening. I love Chinese roses very much. I like to paint pots and flower boxes for my yard. I also like to make jam, especially of figs.