Microland Foundation has announced the launch of Mitti Cafe, a cafeteria at RMZ Ecoworld in Bengaluru, which will be run and managed by adults with disabilities. The initiative aims to generate livelihood and skilling opportunities for individuals with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities while promoting awareness about disability and inclusion.
Microland Foundation, the CSR arm of Microland Limited, has a strong commitment to empowering people with disabilities through various projects. By collaborating with Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation, the foundation hopes to create a self-sustaining cafe that provides employment and skill development opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Revathy Ashok, a member of the board of directors at Microland, expressed her pride in having Mitti Cafe located in the heart of RMZ Ecoworld, a neighborhood known for its diverse range of companies. She highlighted Microland Foundation’s dedication to employability and skill development, creating conditions for everyone to thrive.
RMZ Corp, a longstanding partner of Microland Limited, has played a vital role in supporting the infrastructure of the cafe. Their support in designing and setting up eco-friendly buildings and office spaces has been instrumental in making the launch of Mitti Cafe at RMZ Ecoworld possible.
Microland Foundation has provided training to 50 people with disabilities to upskill them in areas such as customer service, cafeteria management, food and beverage production, and culinary services. This training has transformed individuals into confident cafe staff, fostering their independence and confidence. The foundation’s unwavering support for Mitti Cafe has been appreciated by Alina Alam, the founder and CEO of Mitti Cafe.
The launch event of Mitti Cafe was filled with performances by the cafe’s team of adults with disabilities, including a rendition of the national anthem in sign language. The enthusiastic interaction between the audience and the Mitti Cafe team showcased the heartwarming connection and support for the initiative.
Microland Foundation has been established as a social development arm, collaborating with partners to address society’s pressing issues. Their bottom-up and collaborative approach emphasizes empowering lives and fostering sustainable and equitable societal development.
Mitti Cafe focuses on economic independence and dignity for adults with disabilities while raising awareness about inclusion and disability rights. The cafes, which are managed by individuals with disabilities, have served over eight million meals and beverages in recent years, further promoting inclusion with every meal served.
The recognition for Mitti Cafe’s impactful work has come from various organizations such as the United Nations, Niti Aayog, The Commonwealth, UNESCO, The Times of India, Rotary, and Tiecon. Alina Alam, the CEO and founder of Mitti Cafe, has been featured in Forbes’ list of 30 under 30.
Overall, the launch of Mitti Cafe at RMZ Ecoworld is an important step towards creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities and promoting a more inclusive society. With Microland Foundation’s support, Mitti Cafe aims to continue making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities while spreading awareness about disability rights and inclusion.