Yimsoo Cafe Bangkok

Yimsoo Cafe Bangkok

September 7, 2022 Selene Orellana

Yimsoo Cafe Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand
logo_Yimsoo Cafe Bangkok

Impact

The Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities is a non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities by setting up vocational training centres in central and northern Thailand and providing occupational support for persons with disabilities. They also run “Yimsoo Cafe”, a coffee shop operated by differently-abled people to empower them and voice out through the community that they can do anything they set their minds to accomplish.

At Yimsoo Cafe, you can not only enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a bowl of boat noodles cooked by their talented team, but you can also learn how to use sign language and place your orders. You can even join in a hands-on experience to prepare some local cuisine dishes during your trip. This program allows Yimsoo and the Foundation to create more job and training opportunities.

8
community members directly impacted
.

Critical Need

The Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities has supported differently-abled people by providing them with training and work opportunities at the Yimsoo Cafe for over six years. In addition, they have done an excellent job showing the community how capable these people are.

However, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have struggled to find customers and make their business profitable. 

Our Involvement

With the support of Planeterra, they have a viable source of income outside grants. They use this income to support their vocational training centers for differently-abled people in central and northern Thailand, which serve more than 200 people every year. They also plan to invest in an expansion project of Yimsoo Cafe to create more jobs for differently-abled people.

Likewise, having more customers visiting Yimsoo Cafe, will allow them to raise awareness about the importance of their work.

.

Related projects

Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim
Ban Ou Community Tourism
D’danau Homestay
Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver
Read more
Safi Kitchen_Jordan_Planeterra_P100

Safi Kitchen

August 26, 2022 Selene Orellana Meals, Partners

Safi Kitchen

Southern Ghawr, Jordan

Impact

Safi Kitchen is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve the local culture and natural resources to promote the southern region of the Jordan Valley (Ghawr) as a tourist destination throughout the year. The key beneficiaries of the kitchen are local women and youth who are short of financial opportunities in their communities. They participate in an authentic farm and meal experience to showcase their tradition and culture through food.

By engaging in tourism activities, community members receive a much-needed income from the kitchen. Women can now make their own financial decisions and youth are leading up conservation activities in their communities. 

The community continues to value their environment and more businesses are being led by women. They are also sharing their culture authentically.

19
people employed
114
Community members benefitting
Safi Kitchen_Jordan_Planeterra_P100
.

Critical Need

Al-Safi Kitchen was opened at the end of 2019 in the southern Jordan Valley, hosting visitors to the area and making the region a distinct tourist destination that provides high-quality services that reflect the local cultural heritage.

However, since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Safi Kitchen has struggled to find customers and make the project successful.

Our Involvement

Through a partnership with Safi Kitchen, Planeterra facilitated a market connection to the tourism sector, where travellers enjoy an authentic meal experience and understand the traditional methods of farming in Jordan while seeing the fresh ingredients picked and used in their meals. They also get an opportunity to learn about how this community is using agriculture to preserve their environment.

Safi Kitchen provides a traditional lunch, tea and snacks to travellers. They also have an in-community bike trail for active travellers with a mountainous backdrop. The tour is led by youth from the community who are receiving an income from the tours.

Photos Safi Kitchen_Jordan_P100_Planeterra

Related projects

Tinkuy Community Tourism
Berracas de la 13
Shandia Lodge
Favela Experience
Read more

Good Work Foundation

August 11, 2022 Selene Orellana Meals, Partners, Youth

Good Work Foundation

Hazyview, South Africa

Impact

The Good Work Foundation (GWF) is a nonprofit organization that trains local youth in technology, conservation as well as Tourism and Hospitality. They provide opportunities in the tourism sector for youth in the villages bordering the Kruger National Park. Every year GWF provides free training to 25 youth and bridges them into opportunities in the hotels and lodges in the area.

Thanks to GWF, youth are gaining skills in entrepreneurship and tourism to break the cycle of poverty around the Kruger National Park by generating sources of income. Additionally, through the training provided by GWF, youth are able to access much-needed education.

25+
Youth trained each year
45+
community members benefitting
GoodWork Foundation_planeterra
.

Critical Need

Youth unemployment rates in communities around Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations, soar above 65%. Many local people will leave their homes to search for work in other metropolitan areas such as Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The lack of opportunities for employment and investment leads to poor living quality and many women and youth are forced into low-paying menial labor and possibly illegal behavior such as wildlife poaching.

Our Involvement

Planeterra partnered with GWF and their Hospitality Academy to create an express Coffee Bar that serves hot and cold coffee and locally sourced snacks to travellers who are visiting the Kruger National Park.

The Coffee Bar supports covering tuition and is also an opportunity for youth in the program to receive practical training in barista skills as well as earnings for their work. Tourism allows GWF to reduce their dependency on grants to fund the academy, increase class sizes and train more youth.

GoodWork Foundation_South Africa
.

Related projects

Moshi Mamas
Maasai Clean Cookstoves
Nyamirambo Community Tour
Cafe Ubuntu
Read more

Oodles of Noodles

November 6, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Oodles of Noodles

Hoi An, Vietnam

Impact

Planeterra connected the Oodles of Noodles class with one of our travel industry partners, G Adventures. This steady base of visitors allows STREETS to ensure they can provide tuition, safe housing, health care and social inclusion to current and future students of STREETS. 

Students enrolled in the STREETS program are taught everything there is to know about working and running a restaurant and graduate with top International Culinary Arts Certificates. Many have gone on to work at large five-star hotels in Da Nang and neighbouring cities. 

32
youth impacted
+250
youth trained to date
Oodles of Noodles

Critical Need

There are an estimated 20,000 children living on the streets across Vietnam. And unfortunately, the divide between the rich and poor, ethnic minority and majority, and the urban and rural populations of Vietnam appear to be growing. This problem is intensified by the lack of strong and effective child protection systems, professional social workers, and adequate programming and services for vulnerable children.

Our Involvement

Planeterra Foundation partnered with STREETS International (an extensive hospitality-training program that works with at-risk youth in Vietnam) to develop an exclusive Oodles of Noodles Tour and to expand their training kitchen. This tour acts as a curriculum module for the youth to practice their English language and presentation skills — two key qualities that are a necessity for success in the hospitality industry. Students lead a noodle-making class with travellers and teach them about the twenty-six different types of noodles available in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Oodles of Noodles

Related projects

Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim
Ban Ou Community Tourism
D’danau Homestay
Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver
Read more

DESA

October 30, 2020 Planeterra Partners

DÊSA

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Impact

The sustainable income generated by travellers will allow for DEŠA to expand the reach of its community and women’s projects. The ripple effects from visitors will be felt throughout the organization and the communities in which they work. From improving rural employment to empowering female entrepreneurs, DEŠA will be able to continue providing opportunities for those who have been left marginalized in their community.

7
people employed
21
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Founded during the homeland war, DEŠA was born when a group of locals from Dubrovnik partnered with refugees and made a small handicraft business. Now, they continue as a women’s centre which provides victim support while acting as a centre of cultural preservation. From the beginning, the founders of DEŠA knew it was important to not just provide emotional support for fellow women but to connect them to meaningful work that would make them feel empowered. In anticipation of tourism’s return to Dubrovnik, DEŠA provided computer and language courses so women could have the opportunity to take part in what was to become a booming tourist economy. Through selling handicrafts made by women across the country, and providing tourists with the opportunity to learn about traditional costumes, weaving, and cooking, DEŠA is contributing to the sustainable and inclusive development of its communities.

Our Involvement

Through our Partnership with DEŠA, Planeterra will be providing a small grant to assist in capacity building as well as training and collaboration in developing a new cultural experience for travellers. Planeterra also facilitated a partnership between G Adventures and DEŠA, which means a consistent stream of travelers gaining insight into DEŠA’s mission and experiencing traditional Croatian culture, all while providing sustainable income for the organization’s community work.

Related projects

Moshi Mamas
Maasai Clean Cookstoves
Nyamirambo Community Tour
Cafe Ubuntu
Read more

Wise Greece

October 30, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Wise Greece

Athens, Greece

Impact

Wise Greece is a non-profit social enterprise with a double mission: supporting small farmers and producers of Greek products across the country, and using the profits to purchase food for the homeless, children, and elderly in need. They work with the best Greek producers, to get their products into shops in Greece and abroad, raising awareness and support for the Mediterranean diet and Greek products like food, spices, and natural cosmetics. Profits from the organization are used to provide food supplies to other organizations such as the Solidarity Center of the Municipality of Athens, supporting people in need, and the Emfasis Foundation, feeding individuals experiencing homelessness. Planeterra works to introduce tour companies and travellers to Wise Greece’s stores and products.

100
Food Producers
2,500
Products
Wise Greece Athens, Greece

Critical Need

Homelessness is a significant social issue in Greece, which was exacerbated by the Greek Financial Crisis which started in 2009, during which an estimated 111,000 Greek companies filed for bankruptcy. There is currently no accurate record of how many Athenians are experiencing homelessness, but the official unemployment rate hit almost 28% during the economic crisis that devastated the country over the last few years. Wise Greece is a non-profit organization with a mission to support local Greek farmers and producers, all while purchasing food for those in need.

Our Involvement

Planeterra began partnering with Wise Greece in 2020, introducing products from the organization onto the sailing itineraries of their travel partner G Adventures. Through this partnership, thousands of travellers sailing the Greek Islands will enjoy Wise Greece products such as salt, honey, tea and olive oil. Stocking these small vessels will increase Wise Greece’s revenue and is also a great marketing tool, as their products are sold internationally in destinations like Sweden and the United Kingdom. It also helps travellers to Greece give back to the local community during their visit. 

Related projects

Moshi Mamas
Maasai Clean Cookstoves
Nyamirambo Community Tour
Cafe Ubuntu
Read more

Panauti Community Homestay

September 9, 2020 Rhea Simms Partners

Panauti Community Homestay

Panauti, Nepal

Impact

The homestay is an opportunity for the local women of Panauti to take on a higher responsibility in the community. It has given them confidence as they portray their capabilities to each guest that visits the town. Through this program, women are learning English and speaking confidently with guests. Solar panels have been installed and community sanitation has improved. Women engaged in the homestay are earning a living for themselves and able to contribute to household expenses, as they become leaders in the community. Twenty percent of income from all bookings are placed in a fund that goes towards community projects, including scholarships and sanitation training. Today there are 20 women working as homestay hosts and welcoming travellers into their homes.

86
Locals Directly benefiting
430
Community members indirectly benefitting

Critical Need

Located just outside of Kathmandu and historic sites, Panauti had been long dismissed as a tourist destination. Many youth and adults choose to leave the community for education and work as employment opportunities within the community are few. Tourism was identified as a way to bring new opportunities for women and youth, and generate income for community development in Panauti. With a UNESCO heritage site and rich culture, the community was identified to have large tourism potential by Planeterra’s local partners, Royal Mountain Travel and the Community Homestay Network.

Our Involvement

Planeterra’s corporate partner, G Adventures, provides a steady stream of travellers to the Panauti Community Homestay, including a Local Living Tour, which brings travellers to Panauti for four nights to truly experience community life. This connection to the tourism value chain boosts their business and allows the community to invest back in what matters most to them. Planeterra also provides ongoing support to the women in Panauti to help the homestay thrive.

Related projects

Pink City Rickshaw
Pink City Rickshaw
Sheroes Hangout
Sunder Rang
Anoothi India
Read more

Maldives Plastic Project

September 4, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Maldives Plastic Program

Malé, Maldives

Impact

This program directly supports local organizations as they strive to integrate sustainable solutions to plastic use in the Maldives. These programs include awareness raising, education and proper recycling. The project also allows travellers to learn more about environmental initiatives happening locally, becoming more responsible travellers.

280k
plastic bottles are discarded daily in Malé

Critical Need

The Maldives is made up of 99 percent water and one percent land. The country’s geography means that pollution to the oceans impacts the country drastically. Over 280,000 plastic bottles are discarded in the country’s capital, Malé every day. The Maldives continues to import plastic items from across the world, with limited infrastructure or awareness to allow for proper recycling. While reducing plastic use is a goal, collecting plastic thrown on the land and oceans

Our Involvement

Planeterra partnered with local travel company, Voyages, to integrate plastic pick-ups into all of G Adventures tours through the Maldives as of 2020.

The aim is to mitigate tonnes of plastic from inhabited beaches and incorporate local communities in the mission to reduce plastic waste from reaching the ocean. Planeterra provided the equipment necessary for travellers to engage in plastic clean-ups.

A local nonprofit facilitates the processing of collected plastic and sends it for upcycling in countries that have the proper infrastructure.

Related projects

Pink City Rickshaw
Pink City Rickshaw
Sheroes Hangout
Sunder Rang
Anoothi India
Read more

TWE

September 4, 2020 Planeterra Partners

TWE- Together We Earn

Kerala, India

Impact

TWE is a Women’s Empowerment Programme supporting rural women in finding employment opportunities. TWE started by running small tea shops in Kerala with women from the area. In 2018, they built their training center but were left without funding to develop the programs.

This partnership allows TWE- Together We Earn to train more women than ever and provide tangible skills-training opportunities with a guaranteed customer base. The income generated through this program allows the organization to continue expanding training for various livelihood opportunities for women in Kerala, and empower more women as entrepreneurs. The centre also provides a platform for women to build confidence and become independent members of society.

8
community members directly benefitting
100
community members indirectly benefitting
.

Critical Need

Kerala has made strides on women’s empowerment in terms of education and health indicators, having the highest rates in India, yet women’s participation in the labour force is low and declining. In rural Alleppey agriculture, construction, fish farming and sanitary workers are the main sources of income for families.

Women do not often have the opportunity to gain skills and find employment beyond the work they are doing in the fields. TWE- Together We Earn led by Theruvarom in Kerala was created to directly meet the needs of women in the area.

Our Involvement

Planeterra partnered with TWE-Together We Earn to bring their women’s empowerment program to the next level. An investment allowed the organization to build a kitchen in rural Alleppey that can be used for training women in catering skills, prepping food for their local tea shops, and hosting international travellers. Previously, the program focused their livelihood training on opening local tea shops. With this partnership, they are bringing their passion and expertise into tourism for the first time. Training on hospitality and tourism management was provided by Planeterra to ensure TWE’s success as they pivot into tourism for the first time. They received their first international travellers in January 2020 and the program has generated employment for 10 women.

Guests are given a traditional Keralan experience at the centre, enjoying a beautiful vegetarian meal followed by local folk songs passed down by farmers. Guests also learn more about the programs that TWE runs to empower women in the area.

Planeterra continues to mentor TWE as they explore more income-generating opportunities for women in rural Alleppey.

Related projects

Pink City Rickshaw
Pink City Rickshaw
Sheroes Hangout
Sunder Rang
Anoothi India
Read more

Amba Chutney Cooperative

September 4, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Amba Chutney Cooperative

Bandarawela, Sri Lanka

Impact

As the first community co-operative working with Amba Estate, the chutney entrepreneurs put a portion of their sales on each bottle of chutney sold into a Community Development Fund (Rs. 10 per bottle).  In the first year, they sold more than $2000 of chutney and supplemented their income by 20%. This fund is used to kick start the next community enterprise in the valley. This model can be used for years to come as tourism continues to grow in Sri Lanka. It’s intended that 20 more local women can be trained through the savings of the fund in the coming years. Income from the partnership will be invested in children’s education, nutrition and housing improvements, creating a better future for community members in the region.

6
women employed
150
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Livelihood opportunities in the valley of Bandarawela, Sri Lanka are limited for low-income community members. Many rely on agricultural work, especially in the tea plantations, which can be arduous with little financial gain. Amba Estate came to the area with the purpose of promoting economic growth through their organic tea plantation, paying fair wages, sharing their profits with their workers, and creating opportunities for growth. Having established its place in the travel market, Amba is now ready to support community cooperatives as a means of better spreading the income of tourism throughout the valley.

Our Involvement

Planeterra worked alongside Amba Estate to support the initial investment for the first community-led micro-enterprise working in partnership with Amba. Planeterra’s catalyst grant covered the equipment, training and setup costs for a group of six women to formally become a chutney co-operative. Once produced, the chutney is sold back to Amba Estate for travellers to consume and purchase. Travellers have the opportunity to eat the delicious chutneys, meet the women and see how it’s made. The “Six Stars” Chutney Cooperative is made up of women who are employed as tea pluckers with Amba Estate, and are nearing the age of retirement. All tea pluckers in Sri Lanka are required to retire at the age of 55. For this reason it is important that they begin to build up their savings and diversify their skills to continue earning after their tea plucking years are over.

Related projects

Pink City Rickshaw
Pink City Rickshaw
Sheroes Hangout
Sunder Rang
Anoothi India
Read more
Contact
19 Charlotte Street, Toronto, ON
M5V 2H5, CANADA
+1(416)263-4671
More info
Social media
Newsletter sign up

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