New Spaces to Promote Gastronomy in Bolivia
On Saturday, May 1, in the city of La Paz, Bolivia, ICCO inaugurated two spaces that seek to promote creativity, entrepreneurship, employment and the training of young people in gastronomy, innovation and culinary experimentation. These two spaces continue and strengthen the Manq’a model, which in 6 years has trained more than 5,000 young chefs and more than 800 gastronomic entrepreneurs.
‘Conexión Lab’, the name of this first space, is a laboratory that offers courses, workshops and activities designed to encourage creativity, social interaction and culinary learning that includes local products. The space is aimed at children, youth, tourists, amateur cooks, and populations with specific nutritional needs. Also, companies that from an innovative approach wish to strengthen their teamwork, leadership and innovation skills can make use of it.
‘Entrepreneurs Market Wayna’ is the name of the second phase. It is a physical and virtual store that promotes Bolivian entrepreneurship, where young people can offer their products, services and businesses with identity and pride, generating better economic and commercial opportunities. This initiative will be a boost and support for hundreds of young entrepreneurs who have been affected caused by the pandemic.
Conexión Lab and Entrepreneurs Market Wayna are located in the Manq’a Restaurant premises and have been conceptualized and developed by ICCO Cooperation and Manq’a, with the support and trust of the María Marina Foundation and IFAD in Bolivia.
