The Challenge

South Asia is a region known for its varied landscapes, vibrant traditions, and rich heritage. It encompasses countries with diverse cultures, languages, histories and religions. The area is home to stunning mountain ranges, unique terrain and iconic locations.

Economic hardship for youth in particular in South Asia is a significant challenge, with many young people facing difficulties in proper education. Factors such as high levels of poverty, limited access to quality training, and a lack of job opportunities contribute to this issue. Additionally, social and cultural factors can also play a role, which can limit women’s access to gaining stability in life. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including investment in vocational training, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating more jobs for young people.

Many countries in South Asia have struggled with underdevelopment, leading to rising poverty, limited education opportunities, and high unemployment rates. “Despite the living expenses being relatively high in large cities as compared to villages, their wages are considerably low causing poor living conditions including limited or non existent public services such as water and sanitation”. While efforts have been made in recent years to address domestic employment issues through various programs, there remains a long road ahead for further progress (UN: Impact of the Pandemic on Internal Migrant Workers).

Because of the lack of decent work, there is a high exodus of young people seeking foreign employment. This “high NEET rate (not in employment, education or training) of 23.5% among youth highlight enduring challenges” along with “The rapid adoption of AI is feared to exacerbate income inequalities. AI could reduce demand for low-skilled jobs, disproportionately impacting women and lower-income countries” (UN: Overview – World Economic Situation and Prospects 2024).

As the young seek elsewhere for work, they leave behind the older to care for the children and vice versa. This contributes to the on-going health, education, and social concerns. “When people go missing along migration routes, their families often face devastating socio-economic, psychological, administrative, and legal consequences. The disappearance of a relative is not only cause for anguish, but it may affect access to property” (WHO: Act now to save lives and prevent migrants from going missing - 2024).

A Solution

Corner Cafe operates as a community-focused establishment in South Asia, offering a serene space for locals to enjoy coffee and meals while simultaneously addressing social issues. The organization emphasizes creating a positive work environment that ensures fair income, workplace security, and opportunities for personal development and social integration. The central mission is to contribute to the community's well-being through meaningful employment and training. In addition to its commitment to empowering the younger generation, Corner Cafe actively engages in organizing community events. By incorporating community events into its mission, Corner Cafe strives to create a space that not only supports individual growth but also strengthens the social fabric of the entire community.

Business Activities Geared Towards Decent Work and Sustainable Communities.

Target 8.5 (adapted) Promote full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.

Target 8.6 Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.

Target 11.7 (adapted) Promote universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible public spaces.

Measured by:

• Number of full-time, part-time, and/or temporary workers employed each quarter receiving a local living wage or higher.

• Value of wages (including bonuses, excluding benefits) paid to all full-time & part-time employees of the organization during the reporting period.

• Show how much money flowed to this area that would not otherwise exist without your business for economic growth

• Number of employees (full-time, part-time, or temporary) who were trained through programs provided by the organization (both internally and externally) during the reporting period.

• Of the employed how many were youth (specify age)?

• Number of youth individuals who received training from the organization during the reporting period. (ages 15-25)

• Number of hospitality/community events held each quarter

• Number of local attendees at hospitality/community events each quarter

• How many of these attendees were youth (age 15-25)

Corner Cafe operates as a community-focused establishment in South Asia, offering a serene space for locals to enjoy coffee and meals while simultaneously addressing social issues. The organization emphasizes creating a positive work environment that ensures fair income, workplace security, and opportunities for personal development and social integration. The central mission is to contribute to the community's well-being through meaningful employment and training.

What Does Your Donation Go Towards?

• Creating a vibrant community hub: Supporting the development of a space for events, including investments in essential equipment, furniture, and furnishings.

• Enhancing our infrastructure: Contributions go towards vital improvements to our building, such as expanding the kitchen and installing air-conditioning systems.

• Sustaining operations: Your generosity aids in covering ongoing business expenses, including salaries and rent.

• Direct support for community initiatives: A donation of $200 can provide essential support for organizing and hosting a community event.

• Empowering community members: With just $70 a month, you can contribute to skills training and language assistance programs, empowering individuals in our community to thrive.