Solidarity Kitchen in Brazil

  • Apr. 04, 2024

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The Warao people are originally from Venezuela. Many have crossed the border to Brazil from their troubled country simply to survive. But unlike most Venezuelan migrants, they have their own indigenous language. They don’t speak Spanish, which means they find it difficult to learn Portuguese. As a result, they often can’t get jobs and lead vulnerable lives. Drug crime and violence are often the only option.

A Beacon of Hope

Yet today in Manaus, there is a beacon of hope. Stop Hunger and Sodexo Brazil have joined forces with client company, Coca-Cola, and NGO Gastromotiva, to fund, set up and run “Solidarity Kitchen”. There, a cook and six assistants, half of them Warao women, provide 1,500 meals for families in need every month. Better still, the Kitchen now serves as a classroom for Warao women. The 70-hour “Make and Sell” course provides vital cooking and business skills – with Sodexo volunteers acting as teachers.

When I started the course, I was restarting my life. Today I have my own small store selling cakes and sweets. All the knowledge that was acquired I have put into practice – and it has been working! We are gradually growing, and I have even became a supplier for Sodexo.

Dirce Solidarity Kitchen Beneficiary

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