Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim

Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim

December 6, 2023 Selene Orellana

Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim

Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

Impact

The Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities is a non-profit organization committed to assisting individuals with disabilities. One of its remarkable initiatives is the operation of “Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim,” primarily staffed by individuals with disabilities.

Visitors to the farm can participate in a tour, gaining insights into vocational training activities conducted by the Foundation. The experience includes a traditional North Thailand meal prepared by the team, providing hands-on exploration of activities that showcase the rich Lanna culture and tradition.

This project aims to spotlight the importance and value of the work done by persons with disabilities, empowering them to become exemplary citizens who positively influence society. The initiative has successfully fostered a better understanding of disabilities, transforming perceptions and recognizing them as valuable contributors to society.

23
differently-abled people benefitting
60
people indirectly benefitting
.

Critical Need

The Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities is dedicated to establishing vocational training centers in central and northern Thailand, along with providing occupational support for individuals with disabilities. In the past, the community did not benefit from tourism due to a lack of technical support and confidence to host international travellers. The primary focus was on their disability, rather than their strengths and resilient attitude.

Consequently, they were unable to participate in tourism activities in Thailand. Additionally, Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim, lacked market connectivity and the training needed to host travellers in the past.

Our Involvement

Planeterra has played a crucial role in introducing the Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities to the international community, enriching the understanding of persons with disabilities in Thailand through visits and showcasing their work and achievements. Those benefiting from Yimsoo Farm have gained a renewed sense of confidence and are earning income, serving as beacons of hope for communities globally.

Moving forward, the goal is to raise awareness of this project, encouraging more individuals to visit and witness the impactful work carried out by persons with disabilities within their organization. Through these efforts, the organization aspires to create more jobs and opportunities for persons with disabilities.

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Restaurante El Manglar

October 10, 2023 Selene Orellana Meals, Partners

Restaurante El Manglar

Cayo Quemado, Río Dulce, Izabal, Guatemala

Impact

Restaurante El Manglar was founded by the Cayo Quemado Women’s Committee with the primary goal of creating new employment and training opportunities for the community.

One remarkable aspect of this Committee is its diversity, encompassing women from various age groups, bridging both older and younger generations. This highlights how the restaurant serves as a unifying force for women in Cayo Quemado, with a clear commitment to nurturing future generations.

Today, an increasing number of travelers to Río Dulce and Livingston include Cayo Quemado in their itineraries. This serves as a powerful testament to empowered women actively fostering economic sustainability within their community, and they are enthusiastic about passing down their knowledge to younger generations.

15
women directly impacted
100
people indirectly impacted
.

Critical Need

Keeping families together is crucial for all the hardworking women at Restaurante el Manglar. Historically, the community of Cayo Quemado faced a challenge as many residents were compelled to seek livelihoods elsewhere, resulting in family separations. Fishing used to be the primary means of earning a living here, but circumstances changed in 2004 when the government introduced new laws, including a fishing ban, which caused economic hardships. Consequently, they needed to explore new income-generating alternatives, such as engaging in tourism.

Our Involvement

With the support of Planeterra, a grant was provided to equip the kitchen and restaurant, enlarge the bathrooms, and improve the uniforms and signage.

Women and youth share the local culture by offering a “Caribbean Gastronomic Experience” with a workshop on a local dish called “Ceviche al Coco,” which is ceviche marinated with coconut milk. At the same time, travelers learn more about the amazing work that the committee is doing in Cayo Quemado. New connections to the market are crucial for the sustainability of the business and its ripple effects.

Planeterra provides ongoing training and support to the team on experience development and business administration to promote the development of a newly profitable enterprise.

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Kirtipur Community Homestay

September 4, 2023 Selene Orellana

Kirtipur Community Homestay

Kirtipur, Nepal

Impact

The Kirtipur Community Homestay, primarily led by Indigenous women with some men, offers travellers a unique opportunity to reside in the heart of Nepal’s Newari town across five homestays. This initiative extends far beyond mere hospitality; it’s about transformation. Women have discovered employment avenues and have played a vital role in preserving age-old culinary traditions of the Newari culture, revitalizing traditional clothing, and safeguarding the unique Newari script.

Inspired by these efforts, the youth of Kirtipur are embracing their cultural heritage and seeking to reconnect with their roots, particularly in culinary arts, recognizing the pivotal role food plays in local festivals and celebrations. They are also showing a renewed interest in learning their ancient Newari script. 

An impressive 10% of the income generated from tourism activities is earmarked for a community fund. After covering expenses, this fund is equitably distributed among all community members, ensuring that the benefits of tourism enrich the lives of everyone.

Travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences have the opportunity to participate in a session on Ranjana Lippi (Calligraphy), an ancient Newari script. Beyond calligraphy, the community invites travellers to savour local cuisine, engage in momo making, and embark on captivating walking tours of Kirtipur.

6
Community members directly benefiting
27
Community members indirectly benefiting
.

Critical Need

Nestled approximately 7 km southwest of Kathmandu, Kirtipur is an enchanting town that captivates travellers with its breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas.

Historically, Kirtipur was primarily an agricultural community. However, with the loss of agricultural land, the need to create employment opportunities, particularly for women, became increasingly urgent. To address this, the community decided to venture into tourism, but initially, their visitors were primarily day-trippers from Kathmandu. These visitors would explore the Newari town during the day and then return to the city, leaving the local residents with limited benefits from tourism.

In response to these challenges, 27 community members underwent training from the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) in 2019, leading to the establishment of 9 homestays, with 5 of them currently operational. In 2021, their skills were further honed through training and mentorship from the Community Homestay Network, enabling them to expand their offerings to travellers. This expansion includes unique experiences such as Ranjana Lippi (calligraphy), which enriches the cultural encounters available in Kirtipur.

Our Involvement

Planeterra played a pivotal role in supporting Kirtipur’s journey towards offering memorable and culturally rich experiences to travellers. Through a catalyst grant, we provided the means for the women to establish a momo demonstration activity and serve local Newari meals, ensuring the necessary equipment is readily available to welcome and host travellers professionally.

Moreover, the Planeterra team has conducted comprehensive training sessions, equipping the Kirtipur community with valuable hospitality skills. This not only enhances the quality of their offerings but also enables them to share their cultural heritage more effectively through storytelling. By focusing on delivering an exceptional meal experience, the community can create an outstanding overall impression for guests, further enriching their range of activities.

This partnership also opens the door for the Kirtipur community to integrate seamlessly into the value chain of one of our corporate partners, promising a brighter and more sustainable future.

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No Limits Cafe

August 4, 2023 Selene Orellana

No Limits Cafe

Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia

Impact

The Downs Syndrome Association is dedicatedly supporting children living with Down syndrome and their families. They are also actively raising community awareness, advocating for their rights, and providing education. The No Limits Cafe is a remarkable outcome of their efforts, offering training and employment opportunities to young adults with Down syndrome and their mothers, who have historically been excluded from economic benefits. This innovative program is successfully breaking down barriers, showcasing how young people with Down syndrome can contribute to society through tourism, and opening up new opportunities for all while also enriching the local tourism industry.

The income generated from tourism will not only aid the Downs Syndrome Association in maintaining the stability of their operations but will also provide salaries for the youth and their mothers, serving as a powerful motivation. The youth are already planning how to invest their earnings from tourism, which demonstrates the positive impact of this initiative on their lives.

10
Youth employed
10
Women employed
.

Critical Need

In Mongolia, only a small percentage of differently-abled individuals in the labor force are employed. Sadly, families and especially mothers with children and youth with Down Syndrome often face discrimination and are deprived of employment opportunities and essential training to earn an income. The Downs Syndrome Association is determined to change this situation by offering vocational training for adults, schooling for children, and even providing a braille library to enhance employability. Through their barista program, trained baristas can now serve coffee with pride.

Tourism can serve as a powerful alternative to empower differently-abled youth while providing the necessary resources for the Downs Syndrome Association to finance their impactful initiatives. 

Our Involvement

Planeterra provided a grant to establish and fully equip the No Limits Cafe. In collaboration with our local strategic partner GER to GER, we conducted training on how to create a tourism experience using the valuable resources from the Planeterra Online Learning Hub. This ensures that the team at No Limits Cafe is well-prepared and confident in hosting travelers. 

Planeterra also facilitated a connection between No Limits Cafe and one of our corporate partners, ensuring a consistent flow of customers that enables them to sustain a steady income through tourism.

Come, grab a coffee, and a snack at No Limits Cafe while learning about how this small enterprise is breaking down social norms!

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Ban Ou Community Tourism

July 13, 2023 Selene Orellana Partners

Ban Ou Community Tourism

Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

Impact

Ban Ou Community Tourism engages ten out of the 60 families in directly offering tourism experiences to travellers. The community empowers women to actively participate and lead in tourism activities, including demonstrating the making of Laos rice noodles, weaving, and providing authentic meal experiences. 

Additionally, the involvement of elderly community members adds a special touch to the traditional Baci ceremony, a warm welcome deeply rooted in Lao culture. The ultimate goal is to uplift the community through tourism embracing their traditional culture.

10
families benefitting
50
community members indirectly benefitting
.

Critical Need

Luang Prabang is one of the main tourist attractions in Lao PDR, with travellers often placing it high on their must-visit list. Ban Ou is a small village comprising 60 families whose livelihoods revolve around farming, fishing, and traditional crafts such as silk and cotton weaving, bamboo weaving, and blacksmithing. The village is very charming, situated between picturesque mountains and the Mekong River. 

Although many tour buses pass through Ban Ou en route to the renowned Kuang Si waterfall, a key attraction in Luang Prabang, the local community has not benefited from these visits. Until recently, tourism was a novel concept for them, and they had not engaged with any tour companies.

Our Involvement

Recognizing the immense potential of Ban Ou Community Tourism, Planeterra embarked on a partnership to empower them in hosting travellers. We worked closely with them to enhance their readiness and provide valuable support. This included comprehensive training to ensure they were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, we focused on improving key infrastructure elements, such as the dining area and waste management facilities.

We also helped them set up the outdoor kitchen, which not only enriched the tourism experience but also highlighted the local culinary traditions and flavours.

Additionally, we connected Ban Ou Community Tourism with one of our corporate partners to create a consistent influx of travellers, generating a sustainable income stream that would benefit the entire community.

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Tinkuy Community Tourism

June 14, 2023 Selene Orellana Handicrafts, Meals, Partners

Tinkuy Community Tourism

Cuyo Chico community – Sacred Valley -Cusco, Peru

Impact

Tinkuy is yet another example of the power of community and perseverance. The 12 families who came together to establish Tinkuy have worked together for years on the shared vision of recovering their traditional practices and ceramics while being able to earn an income locally in order to support their families. Not only are they now able to do so, but they have also dedicated their efforts to helping the wider community through supporting clean-up campaigns and improving access roads, benefitting other farmers and artisans in the Cuyo Chico community.

32
people directly impacted
85
families indirectly impacted
.

Critical Need

The community of Cuyo Chico was once renowned for its ceramic handicrafts, but the emergence of plastic and other inexpensive materials posed a significant threat to the livelihoods of those engaged in the creation and sale of traditional ceramic crafts. As the demand for their art declined, community members found it increasingly difficult to earn a sustainable income and support their families.

To counter the loss of this cherished tradition and provide economic opportunities for its community members, the Ricchariy Association of Cuyo Chico took action. In a collaborative effort, 12 families came together to establish Tinkuy, a local enterprise dedicated to revitalizing their customs and traditions. By creating Tinkuy, the community aimed to offer culturally significant income opportunities, especially for women who had to forgo the care of their families and farmland in search of work outside the community.

Our Involvement

The Tinkuy Community Tourism Enterprise, owned by the Ricchary Association of Cuyo Chico, was established in 2009 with the aim of promoting tourism activities. But despite their efforts, they faced challenges in gaining traction in the market. To address this, Planeterra implemented capacity-building programs, developed and improved the facilities and purchased equipment for the association. Planeterra supported them with new cultural experiences that would be more accessible to travelers while also maintaining their traditional pottery and gastronomy. 

By helping improve the experience, Planeterra was also able to connect Tinkuy to the global market through our travel partners.

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Funtasia

April 28, 2023 Selene Orellana Partners

Funtasia

Luxor, Egypt

Impact

Funtasia is a local non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on developing life skills and social consciousness among young people in the West Bank of Luxor. It has been active in Egypt since 2014, training adults, school teachers, and educators across the country in the Funtasia educational approach, both online and in person. Their youth strengthening and life skills programs revolve around health, emotion management, coding, art, and football. 

As part of their efforts, Funtasia developed an afterschool program that teaches art, communication, and social skills to youth, with the aim of contributing to the development of stellar citizens. It particularly focuses on providing high school graduates in their gap year(s) before college with capacity building, income, and exposure to working in the tourism sector. The youth in the villages around the Valley of the Kings lead a bike tour experience which also helps to reduce traffic congestion, improving air quality and providing youth and travellers with an authentic experience of local communities in Luxor.  

Funtasia is not only providing a valuable service but also contributing to broader social and environmental goals.

200
community members
1000
households
.

Critical Need

Funtasia believes that every young person deserves a chance to thrive and succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances, and they are committed to making a positive impact in their community. However, to ensure the success of this project and to continue creating an impact within the local community, Funtasia needed financial support to purchase equipment for their tours and secure a steady flow of income through tourism.

Our Involvement

Planeterra provided funding to Funtasia so they can complete their bike experience and purchase initial supplies such as refreshments and helmets, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of guests. Planeterra also provided a market connection opportunity which facilitated a steady customer base for their bike tours in the West Bank of Luxor. Now, local youth guides get to share their unique perspectives on the area’s history and everyday life experiences of the local communities.

Moreover, through the Planeterra Global Community Tourism Network, Funtasia has access to valuable networking opportunities, learning materials, and continued mentorship from Planeterra team members.

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Zoológico Mágico

Asociación de Mujeres Artesanas Zoológico Mágico

March 22, 2023 Selene Orellana Handicrafts, Partners, Women

Asociación de Mujeres Artesanas Zoológico Mágico

San Martin de Tilcajete, Oaxaca, Mexico

Impact

This newly formed cooperative was founded by 13 women who aspire to foster growth and generate employment opportunities for women and youth through art. Their primary objective is to preserve the Zapotec culture and the cherished artisanal process of creating alebrijes, a local cultural heritage.

Their workshop is a haven of fantasy and art, where they breathe life into various animal creatures they can imagine. Each piece is meticulously crafted with their own hands, skillfully combining vibrant colors that enhance the beauty of the wood.

 

18
people directly impacted

 

108
women indirectly benefitting
Zoológico Mágico
.

Critical Need

San Martín Tilcajete is a town located in Oaxaca famous for the woodwork created by local artisans. The main piece of Art in the wood workshops is the famous Alebrijes, which are wooden figures that represent different animals of the Zapoteca culture and some of their legends, there are approximately 150 alebrijes artisans.

The alebrijes are a big part of the Oaxacan culture and preservation from generation to generation is very important. Nowadays a lot of different people around Mexico create copies of the original alebrijes and they are sold everywhere, the artisans in San Martin are having a hard time generating enough income and the value of their art has gone down according to the market prices.

Our Involvement

Planeterra has been working together with the women of the Zoologico Mágico association to find out what are the most pressing needs to be able to host travellers. They needed a bathroom for visitors, as well as to finalize the process of registering their business. Now they are fully registered and have brand-new bathrooms.

Through this partnership, we also connected Asociación de Mujeres Artesanas Zoológico Mágico to travellers who are now able to experience the Zapoteca culture and the making of alebrijes. This additional revenue will increase their income so they are able to grow as a community.

Aso

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D’danau Homestay

March 22, 2023 Selene Orellana Partners

D'danau Homestay

Kota Belud Sabah, Malaysia

Impact

D’danau is a beautiful homestay located in Kota Belud Sabah, Malaysia, an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. The local community provides accommodation, cooking classes, a natural fish spa, a water bath tube, forest trekking and mountain climbing. Visitors can also learn about the lives of the Borneo people, and enjoy the cool climate and peaceful atmosphere. D’danau’s mission is to promote their culture and way of life, protect the environment and enhance their livelihood.

D’danau’ homestay provides job opportunities for locals engaging in providing the experiences to travellers for hiking, water tubing, cooking classes and other activities. The income generated from tourism allows the community to collect fees that are invested in the nature conservation and development of the village. 

30
Community members directly impacted
150
community members indirectly benefiting
.

Critical Need

D’danau Homestay started operating in September 2018 with limited prior experience in hosting foreign guests. Their establishment boasts an exquisite and unspoiled natural environment, which they aim to share with a wider audience, including both domestic and international visitors. They are in need to connect with the wider travel market not only to showcase the beauty of their surroundings but also to enhance their livelihoods by offering unique tourism experiences.

Our Involvement

Planeterra helped D’danau Homestay to enhance the quality of their services and experiences to cater to both domestic and international travellers Moreover, by collaborating with our corporate travel partners, we can guarantee a steady influx of visitors to D’danau Homestay, thereby contributing to the local community’s economic growth through sustained tourism revenue.

Through this collaboration, D’danau Homestay hopes to further improve the living conditions and job opportunities of the local people and also, to learn from different cultures by creating meaningful encounters with travellers. 

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Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver

February 9, 2023 Selene Orellana Partners

Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Impact

As tourism recovers and borders reopened in Cambodia, Ms. Kim decided to register the Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver group as an association to offer tuk-tuk (Auto rickshaw or Remorque in Khmer) transportation services to travellers who want to discover the beauty of Siem Reap, the home of Angkor Wat, and many ancient temples. But the mission of the Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver group goes beyond that, as they also seek to empower women to be confident and independent given that most of them serve as the leader of their families. The women can now use the income from tourism to support themselves and their families.

40
community members benefitting
70
community members indirectly benefitting
Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver Siem Reap, Cambodia

Critical Need

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic had devastating effects on communities worldwide and Cambodia was not the exception. Women in Siem Riep were struggling to earn an income, especially in tourism-related activities. With the recovery of tourism, there is hope for the members of the Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver group, but in order to fully reap the benefits of the travel industry, they need to secure a steady stream of visitors in need of their services.

Our Involvement

Planeterra provided training and mentoring support so that the Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver group can become confident in working with travellers and continue building a sustainable business model. Also, by connecting Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver with Planeterra’s corporate partners, the group of women is able to secure a constant stream of travellers demanding their services in addition to the individual visitors they are hosting daily.

Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver Siem Reap, Cambodia
Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Canada Not-for-Profit Corporation Number: 793488-2, US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 83-1619668