Amba Chutney Cooperative

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.

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Sthree

September 4, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Sthree Craft Shop and Café

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Impact

Sthree Craft Shop and Café provides a platform for women to gain financial stability. This partnership increased cash flow for the social enterprise by over 400% in the first year alone, allowing them to expand their network of artisans supported through the shop. The tourism program provides increased livelihood opportunities for women and at-risk youth, while also acting as a base funding for the Women’s Development Centre’s shelter for abused women. Differently-abled youth are trained as servers for the program, while women are trained as chefs. The cafe business established by Planeterra became profitable in the first year it was established. 5% of the profits are allocated to support running costs for WDC’s shelter for women.

200
people earning an income
1,000
community members indirectly benefitting
Sthree Craft Shop and Café - Planeterra

Critical Need

The Women’s Development Centre (WDC) in Kandy, Sri Lanka has been working to create equal opportunities for women since 1986. This registered nonprofit organization runs programs to combat violence against women and empower them as equal members of society, with one of their programs, Sthree, being a handicraft shop for women entrepreneurs. Sthree was established in 2007 as a handicraft shop with the support of the World University Service of Canada. Sthree’s aim is to create opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers. Since its establishment, Sthree has struggled to make the business a source of sustainable income for their programs and the entrepreneurs they serve.

Our Involvement

With the support of Planeterra, a catalyst grant was provided to WDC to revamp the craft shop and outfit a working kitchen in the space. A dining area was established to host travellers, creating a steady stream of income and customers at the Sthree Craft Shop and Café.

Women and youth serve up breakfast, lunch and high tea to travellers, as they learn more about the amazing work that the WDC does across Sri Lanka. Planeterra provided support to the team on experience development and business administration to support the development of a newly profitable enterprise.

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Women With Wheels

September 4, 2020 Rhea Simms Partners

Women With Wheels

New Delhi and Jaipur, India

Impact

The Women With Wheels program provides livelihoods for women where women were once not accepted. This program is challenging cultural norms and paving new paths for women across India. Today, 1.193 of their trainees are professional drivers. Also, 213 two-wheeler riders have been trained in logistics. Over 500 drivers were trained in 2018 through the Azad Foundation, and Sakha directly employs 46 women through their social enterprise. As this model gains success, Sakha has been spreading the program across India to empower more women and provide safe transfers for families and travellers. They are operational in Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata and Indore. Their new initiative “Swayam Sakha” is also operational now in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), this is a special cab service for the differently abled.  In January 2020, Sakha Cabs launched a counter at Delhi’s, Indira Gandhi International Terminal (T3), the cabs can be used to travel across the NCR, and two outstation locations – Agra and Jaipur. 

4.5 million safe rides provided to date by Sakha Drivers!

100
community members directly benefitting
1000
community members indirectly benefitting

Critical Need

Traditional gender roles in India have created an uneven playing field for women when it comes to accessing education and employment opportunities. Our ground partners, Azad Foundation, work with disadvantaged women from resource-poor urban areas across India, to empower them to become professional commercial drivers. Azad’s signature program, Women With Wheels, provides technical, self-empowerment and self-development training to fully equip women to become self-sustaining professional drivers.

Our Involvement

Planeterra provided funding for Women With Wheels to expand their vehicle fleet, as well as funding and resources for the Women With Wheels training program.

G Adventures was the first tour operator to contract Women on Wheels as our India airport pick-up partner, creating a sustainable and growing customer base for this emerging social enterprise.

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Jia Community Restaurant

September 4, 2020 Rhea Simms Partners

Jia Community Restaurant

Liandaowan, China

Impact

Jia Community Restaurant is not just a restaurant, it is a hub where hundreds of community members come together to learn and share experiences. It is used for celebrations, children’s educational programs, women’s empowerment programs and more. The centre receives sustained income from tourism that allows them to create jobs in the rural village while continuing to expand training programs to more people. 

Over 30 community programs were hosted here in the first year of operation. In 2019, they initiated a Community Development Fund, saving a portion of all tourism income to support community projects. Women in the community have become much more engaged in leading community activities since the first year, as they can see the impact first hand that the centre is having for their children. In the future, they hope to implement more environmental programs.

5
women employed
400
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Rural women and children in China are frequently faced with the challenge of being separated from their families, as men travel to cities to earn an income. In Liandaowan village the women are left without meaningful livelihood opportunities, and children’s education remains basic. 

RWDF  aims to meet the needs of rural women and children by providing meaningful job opportunities, training, and immersive education for children. A large network of rural women across China allows women to discover new skills, passions, and create a strong sense of community.

Our Involvement

Planeterra partnered with the Rural Women’s Development Foundation (RWDF) to provide the catalyst grant to construct a Community Corner and Restaurant in Liandaowan.

Planeterra then helped introduce RWDF to tour operator G Adventures resulting in a built-in customer base of travellers. The restaurant provides the opportunity for young women and families to become chefs, waiters and guides to host travellers. 

Planeterra supported the training of 10 women in developing the necessary skills to run a successful kitchen. The restaurant is owned and managed by Tomato, a woman with a strong vision of seeing her generation empowered and engaging meaningfully in society. The Community Corner acts as a place of learning and community building for children, including a library, formal learning programs and other community events.

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Berracas de la 13

September 4, 2020 Rhea Simms Partners

Berracas de la 13

Comuna 13, Medellin, Colombia

Impact

Berracas de la 13 was created by a small network of women with a goal of empowering women and youth in their community who have experienced violence and various injustices. The women created their own small businesses selling handicrafts and souvenirs in order to generate income to support their community. In 2016, they opened a restaurant called Berracas Restaurant in order to generate even more revenue and more opportunities for their community. Planeterra’s partnership has allowed them to improve their business, increase revenue, and invest back into their community.

179
people employed
1253
community members benefitting

Critical Need

At the end of the 20th century, Medellin struggled with violence, crime, drugs and political unrest.  The area was one of the main cities under the control of groups loyal to Pablo Escobar, as it is along a main highway which made it easy for the transportation of drugs, traffickers, and gangs. Comuna 13, an area within Medellin, was known as one of the most dangerous communities in the country, and one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Many people were impacted by the violence and the injustices within the community. 

Today, Medellin is regarded by some as one of the most innovative cities in the world, impacting much of Colombia’s economy. It has also become known as a popular tourist destination and has had a significant decrease in crime. Comuna 13, in particular, has also focused on transformation and is emerging onto the tourism scene. However, the Comuna women still face barriers to accessing the formal job market, and youth have limited access to education and job opportunities because of poverty in the area.

Despite their progress, Berracas de la 13 had been unable to access the international tourism market and were unable to secure funding to get the equipment necessary to comply with government regulations for a restaurant.

Our Involvement

Planeterra supported Berracas de la 13 through a grant that was used to improve the Berracas Restaurant facilities and equipment, and access training in hospitality, allowing them to comply with government regulations and run a professional business.

With the support of Planeterra, they have been able to develop a new Comuna tour and meal service, benefitting women and youth from the community.

Travellers will have the opportunity to learn from local guides, visit local shops, try local food and purchase unique handicrafts.

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Beit Khayrat Souf

September 3, 2020 Planeterra

Beit Khayrat Souf

Souf, Jordan

Impact

This growing café employs over 20 women to support in daily management, service and cooking. In order to engage more women in income generation activities, women also work from home to make preserves, which are sold back to Beit Khayrat Souf for consumption and sales to visitors. As this business continues to grow, more women can gain employment opportunities and break the cycle of unemployment that has remained rampant for women in the region. The café is also used as a launching pad for local youth interested in volunteering and learning about other cultures.

25
women employed
60
community members benefitting
.

Critical Need

Jordan ranks 16th in the world for women’s unemployment. Jordan’s Department of Statistics reports that In 2016 only 13.2% of women were economically active (employed or seeking work) while 58.7% of men were economically active during the same period. 

Beit Khayrat Souf is a women-owned and managed café in Souf, started with the purpose of combating women’s unemployment and building a strong community of women leaders. This café was the dream of Sumia, a Jordanian woman who took out a personal loan, bearing the risk with the hope of empowering more women for years to come. The project is supported by the Princess Alia Foundation.

Our Involvement

Planeterra was able to connect Beit Khayrat Souf to a larger customer base through our travel partners. Travellers visiting Beit Khayrat Souf can enjoy a traditional Jordanian food cooking class.

The cafe has received support for the construction of the cafe from various nonprofits but is still working to create a strong customer base. This partnership has allowed them to become profitable and grow their impact.

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çöp(m)adam

September 2, 2020 Planeterra Partners

çöp(m)adam

Ayvalik, Türkiye

Impact

çöp(m)adam offers regular work to 10 women in Ayvalik, with all members working in a healthy and hygienic environment in the shop or at home, and being paid a fair wage. With guaranteed regular employment, members of this social enterprise are able to make significant contributions when it comes to providing sustainability for their families and communities.

10
women employed
40
community members benefitting

Critical Need

çöp(m)adam started as an experimental project in Western Turkey addressing the issues of women’s employment and the importance of recycling/re-using. It aims to utilize waste in a creative, aesthetic, and unique way. A group of Turkish women have created one-of a kind accessories using waste materials that puts glamour into recycled goods. “çöp” means “garbage” in Turkish; “madam”, the same as the French word for “female”. “çöp(m)adam” (Literally “garbage ladies”) is symbolic of this meaning – taking garbage and turning it into something fashionable and fun.

Our Involvement

Planeterra worked with çöp(m)adam to connect the social enterprise to a customer market, helping them to expand their customer base and benefit more women working in impoverished communities in Turkey. When travellers visit the workshop during a trip to Turkey, and purchase their products, they are directly supporting the women that made them.

Planeterra helped ensure guaranteed revenue streams by having G Adventures’ purchase a tote bag for every traveller that visits, supporting the growth of the enterprise and promoting plastic reduction for travellers.

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Esencia Andina

August 21, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Esencia Andina

Cusco, Perú

Impact

Planeterra provided a $10,000 grant to launch a small women-owned business called Esencia Andina based in Cuzco, Peru. This women owned-business produces biodegradable soaps, detergents, and natural products for use by travellers, porters, and cooks on the Inca Trail. 

This initiative is empowering young Peruvian women to start their own businesses and also lessen negative impacts on the Inca Trail – helping to grow a green economy and preserve this treasured destination. All of their products must receive sanitary registration by the government of Peru in order to be sold to the tourism industry on a wide scale. All Inca Trail, Lares Trek, and Amazon trips with our travel company partner G Adventures use these biodegradable products.

6
women employed
24
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Approximately 500 people (tourists and trekking staff) begin the Inca Trail Trek every day. This huge volume can leave behind more than footprints. Not only are plastics a problem but also non-biodegradable soaps and shampoos that can leave behind chemicals that pollute the land and the water in the area. Protecting the natural environment for future generations is a priority that cannot be ignored.

Our Involvement

With a $10,000 grant from Planeterra, Esencia Andina registered as an official business, and was able to scale the sale of their products, vastly improving their market access and making their business viable. Planeterra also connected Esencia Andina to one of our travel industry partners, G Adventures, who is their biggest client. This partnership provides this women-run business with a sustainable monthly income and credibility for them to increase their client portfolio.

After less than one year they had more than 15 hotel and travel company clients in Peru, growing each month. The success of Esencia Adina has inspired other tourism companies and government organizations in Cuzco to become more environmentally responsible.

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Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op

August 21, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Ccaccaccollo Women's Weaving Co-op

Sacred Valley, Peru

Impact

When Planeterra first developed a partnership with the women in the Ccaccaccollo community, the cooperative was run by only 3 women – today, the cooperative is owned by 46 women. Planeterra funded training programs to help bring back the weaving traditions that had been lost over the previous generations as there wasn’t a way to earn a significant income. 

Through our partnership and a connection to travellers, the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op has been able to contribute to their families’ income. The women who have been with the project since the beginning report that all of their children study in university. Those involved in the cooperative are the first generation to be completely literate in Spanish. Today, the community is using tourism as a tool to protect and preserve natural and cultural resources and express, share, develop, and pursue their traditions.

Due to the success of the Co-op, they have since opened a Community Homestay.

80
people employed
560
community members benefitting

Critical Need

The community of Ccaccaccollo is an Indigenous community located in the Andean area of Cuzco, Perú. It is inhabited primarily by 140 Quechua speaking families. Despite the close proximity to Cuzco and Machu Picchu, and the thousands of tourists that visit these sites each year, very few communities from the surrounding countryside benefit from tourism. The Ccaccaccollo community maintains a traditional way of life and many work in agriculture. Like many communities around the world, women are frequently excluded from educational and economic opportunities. 

Our Involvement

Since 2005, Planeterra developed a partnership with the Ccaccaccollo community to develop a women’s weaving cooperative, to create economic opportunities for the women of this community. Planeterra implemented capacity building programs, built facilities and purchased equipment for the co-op. Planeterra supported the women with new methods of production that would make items more desirable to travellers (smaller, less expensive items such as hats, socks and sweaters that can be used on the treks in the area), while also maintaining their traditional weaving methods made from llama and alpaca wool. 

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Moshi Mamas

August 21, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Moshi Mamas

Moshi, Tanzania

Impact

Give a Heart to Africa (GHTA) welcomes approximately 30 women annually into their year-long school program. By connecting the graduates of the school with a primary consumer market from the tourism industry, the makers of the Moshi Mamas and Lala Salama Spa can create a full-time income for themselves and their families. Transport, a platform to speak about the work of Give a Heart to Africa, and a market link are provided through Planeterra’s partnership with G Adventures. Proceeds from the sales help support the women-owned-and-run businesses and school, allowing more women to access free education.

30
women employed
600
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Gender inequality is still very much felt in Tanzania. Things are changing, but when it comes to educational opportunities, girls are still often passed over first compared to their brothers or male cousins. Only 5% of girls finish secondary school. Education for adults is expensive and as many males in the family control the income of the household, many adult women have limited chances to invest in their own education and the well-being of their family.

Our Involvement

Planeterra partnered with a free, women-only, adult business school named Give a Heart to Africa (GHTA) in 2015. GHTA provides a year-long curriculum in Business Management, Accounting, and English. Top graduates (based on drive, need, and grades) are provided seed-funding to start their own businesses. Planeterra funded and supported businesses launched by graduates that serve the tourism industry, as the town of Moshi where the school is located is a  popular destination for travellers hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. Businesses supported include a handicraft maker’s studio and shop, called the Moshi Mamas Cooperative, as well as the Lala Salama Spa.

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M5V 2H5, CANADA
+1(416)263-4671
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Canada Not-for-Profit Corporation Number: 793488-2, US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 83-1619668