Skillbender’s initiative started when they first provided food consultancy classes in 2016. They offered opportunity for students who needed extra income to work as a part time kitchen hands, barista and waiter / waitress. That’s when they built up their expertise in
training and coaching skills. We are happy to see our students grow and get good occupation in various restaurants, hotel and café. The Slurp Latte Art Smackdown in 2021 and 2022 is their signature initiative in promoting the art of coffee and empowering people working in this sector, many of whom are women, many are from provinces and ethnic minority groups and some LGBTI. In summary they aim to provide:

• Accessibility, inclusiveness and equity

• Employability and productivity

• Economic and social stability by reducing unemployment and creating skills

Therefore, this initiative will provide another option in skill development through low cost and accessible learning opportunity for future occupation or employment. The program will also benefit seniors and people who have limited ability/resources to travel and communicate. It is hoped that this will help students to have access to productive employment and income generation.

Coffee Making Skill for Everyone  

Introduction 

Through our ongoing initiative we observed people have limited access to an existing TVET (Technique and Vocational Education and Training) colleges and businesses found it hard to get skilled staff. Yet many young people who dropout from school and new graduates who could not enter university or TVET are unemployed.  

There is also a mismatch between what students learnt in school or institutions and labour market. Therefore, our initiative will provide another option in skill development through low cost and accessible learning opportunity for future occupation or employment. Our program will also benefit seniors and people who have limited ability/resources to travel and communicate.  

We are trying our best and hope our project will help our Rightsholder (LGBTQ+, People with Disability and Women facing exploitation, abuse and/or Violence) to have access to productive employment and income generation.  

What we oversee: 

Our project focuses on empowering youth with disabilities, ethically and those with fewer opportunities in Vientiane by providing specialized training in barista skills. Recognizing the barriers that these young individuals often face, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where they can thrive. By equipping them with professional barista training, we not only enhance their employability but also foster a sense of independence and confidence. 

Desired Outcomes: 

The project highlighted the importance of creating pathways for sustainable employment. While training is a critical first step, ensuring that there are clear, accessible pathways to actual job placements is equally vital. Partnerships with local cafes and coffee shops were essential in this regard, as they provided real-world opportunities for the trainees to transition into the workforce. Additionally, offering continued support even after placement, such as follow-up training sessions and career counseling, helped maintain momentum and ensure long-term success. These lessons underscore the holistic approach needed to truly empower youth with fewer opportunities and set them on a path to sustainable employment and personal growth. 

Tangible Outcomes: 

Over 70% of graduates secured barista positions within three months of program completion. This translates to financial security, career development opportunities, and a sense of accomplishment. 

The ultimate impact of our barista training project for our rightsholder with less opportunities has been profoundly transformative in improving living conditions for participants and their communities. By equipping young individuals with specialized skills in the coffee industry, we have effectively opened doors to stable employment and career growth. The training program not only teaches technical barista skills but also emphasizes customer service, time management, and financial literacy, which are essential for personal and professional development. As a result, participants gain the confidence and competencies needed to secure jobs, thereby improving their economic stability and overall quality of life.  

Innovation and Transformation: 

This project’s ripple effect extends beyond employment. It’s about fostering a hospitality industry that celebrates diversity, dismantles barriers, and empowers individuals to reach their full potential. Each cup of coffee brewed by our graduates is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and inclusion. 

Imagine a world where a cup of coffee isn’t just a pick-me-up, but a symbol of hope. That’s the essence of our project, a story where opportunity bloomed from the struggles of remarkable individuals. Our project ignited a spark in the midst of these struggles. We envisioned cafes brimming with diversity, where skilled baristas of all backgrounds poured their passion into every cup. But this vision wasn’t born overnight. Securing funding felt like climbing a mountain of doubt. Building trust with marginalized communities required patience and a gentle touch. 

Conclusion 

Our barista training program for our rightsholder has made significant strides in reaching a diverse group of rightsholders. Over the past year, we have conducted various training sessions, each with an average of 10 rightsholder. Disaggregating this data by gender, we have observed that 60% of our participants are female and 30% are male. In terms of disability, we are proud that 10% of our participants identify as having a disability. Our program also reflects ethnic diversity, with 20% of participants identifying as people of ethical backgrounds. This diversity underscores our commitment to providing equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background. 

Join us Skillbender in brewing a cup of hope. With your support, we can continue to break down barriers, one delicious cup at a time. Together, let’s create a hospitality industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and where every cup tells a story of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of hope.