Innovation award for Manq’a program

The Manq’a program has received an innovation award with its proposal “Manq’a, a deliciously sustainable menu”. The program received the award at the event ‘Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2019’ organized by Youth Business International (YBI), in Cartagena Colombia.

Manq’a is a model for training in gastronomy. It aims to realize better life opportunities for youths with scarce resources in Bolivia and victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. Small farmers in the region benefit as well, as the trainers promote sustainable agriculture at fair prices. The project also raises awareness; it stresses the importance of healthy eating, rooted in cultural identity and traditions. Youth learn to respect agricultural products grown in the region.The word Manq’a means “food” in Aymara, a local language.

Dignity and self-esteem

The training, developed in collaboration with YBI, creates dignity and self-esteem, as it is not limited to the technical aspects of cooking and handling local foods, but also develops skills in client service and business management. Participants develop leadership abilities, communication and organization skills. Participants furthermore learn punctuality, sociability and creativity.

The Manq’a program has trained more than 3,500 young people as chefs. At the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit the program recruited another 57 applicants. In total the project has links with 80 restaurants and food businesses that provide job opportunities.