Funtasia

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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Domari Culture and Craft Experience

September 3, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Domari Culture and Craft Experience

Jerusalem, Israel

Impact

This project gives an opportunity for Dom women to gain practical skills in hospitality, build their confidence, earn an income, and celebrate their culture. The income from this project is used to further the impactful programs held at the Domari Community Centre. It is the goal of this centre that Dom people become independent, confident, integrated members of society and to promote cultural heritage. Furthermore, travellers will get the privilege to learn about the unique Dom culture and history, many of whom may have never heard of this culture before. The Domari Society continues to invest time and resources into recording the Domari language in writing, which can help preserve a language at risk of being lost.

19
women employed

Critical Need

The Dom (Gypsy) community, located in Jerusalem, face regular discrimination for not being fully integrated into the Israeli or Palestinian societies. Dom children often have lower education levels than other children in Jerusalem, and the women are often underemployed. 

The Domari Society of Gypsies was created as a direct response to this need, opening a Community Centre focused on providing support to children and vocational skills to Dom women. This is also a space for the endangered Domari language to be shared and culture celebrated. Further, the Domari language is spoken and not written. As the Domari cultural identity has weakened due to continued discrimination, many youths have not learned the language.

Our Involvement

Planeterra supported the Domari Society to create a tourism experience for travellers. For this, a dining area was prepared for travellers to enjoy unique Domari food and culture. Women were trained in hospitality and storytelling, preparing them with basic English skills to better communicate about their culture to travellers.

Further, the handicraft shop at the community centre was improved to promote a better shopping experience for travellers, better supporting Dom artisans across the city.

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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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August 21, 2020 Planeterra Partners

AFER Women's Association Homlunch

M’Haya, Morocco

Impact

Through their partnership with Planeterra and the creation of AFER’s homlunch program, the association is able to inject more money into their community initiatives. This includes providing assistance to differently-abled individuals living in rural M’Haya, running a local ambulance service, empowering 19 literacy groups with lessons in French and Arabic, and five sewing cooperatives for rural women.

9
women directly employed
54
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Over the years there has been significant progress in support for women’s rights in Morocco. Women are being welcomed into the community decision-making process, and are receiving increased access to education. However, despite these advancements, rural women and girls still face challenges including: higher school drop out rates, high maternal mortality due to a lack of access to health care, domestic violence, and discrimination in society. Organizations that are promoting women’s rights, gender equality, and access into the formal economy are the way forward.

Our Involvement

Planeterra provided funding for the first hospitality program run by local partner AFER (Association Des Femmes et Enfants Ruraux) to develop the skills of rural women in Morocco. Planeterra helped AFER to develop the training program, provide funds to renovate their kitchen and dining area, provide kitchen equipment and resources, as well funding to outfit the administrative space with air conditioners and fans.

Planeterra also connected this new hospitality program to more than 3,000 travellers from their partners at G Adventures. Travellers visit the rural village of M’Haya for the AFER homlunch, and receive a warm welcome from a group of five women who serve up a delicious traditional lunch. This partnership helps support the long-term job development of women in rural Morocco, with additional funds supporting health and education programs for a network of over 700 women and children.

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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