Roberto, born and raised in
Guatemala, had for several years been involved with Ajb’atz’ Enlace Quiché, a
Guatemalan non-profit organisation dedicated to helping the indigenous people
of Guatemala, before setting up a market stall five years ago. “I saw coffee
and Xocolat as an opportunity for me to help impoverished Guatemalan
communities, but also as a way to reach out and tell more people about the
program,” he said.
Michael Magee, a former
financial accountant at the University
of Sydney, has volunteered to take on
the program for a year, teaching English and computer literacy in Guatemala. “I
met Roberto at the markets, but it wasn’t until I came to the café that I was
convinced I had the chance to see another world and really help people, so I
had to do it.”
Traveling from market to
market, Mayan Coffee and Xocolate came to Dank Street only 10 weeks ago. “After 5
years of doing the markets I felt I could further help the indigenous people in
Guatemala, as well as offer
people here a genuine experience of South America.”
The sensory ensemble of
colourful hand-woven tapestries, indigenous sculptures, live music and
traditional Central and South American cuisine combine to offer a truly exotic
experience, while the staff will sit and chat with you like guests in their own
home. Every week on Friday and Saturday nights the café serves up an authentic
banquet from a different Central or South American nation, employing chefs and
musicians from each culture, with a plan to finish the culinary tour with an indigenous
Australian night in early August.
“When you consider
Australians spent just $146,000 on Fair Trade products in 2003 – the year Fair
Trade labeling began in Australia
– it shows how Australian consumers have embraced Fair Trade,” said Steve
Knapp, director of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand
(FTAANZ).
Last year Australians spent
$11.7 million on Fair Trade products and this year their expenditure is
expected to top $20 million. If you happened to miss out on last month’s Fair
Trade Fortnight celebrations and the Fair Trade Fiesta, organised by FTAANZ,
head down to the Mayan Coffee and Xocolate cafe and check out how good helping
people can taste.
Source:
South Sydney Herald June 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au