Words by Smiley Team
This mobile cafe isn’t just any mobile cafe – it’s one that gives back to children and young people to provide them with transferable skills for the workplace.
The Blue Tangerine Charity is a registered charity, supporting The Blue Tangerine Federation of Specialist and Special Educational Needs Schools within Hertfordshire.
Children with special education needs are less likely to leave school and go into employment – and 96% of adults with additional needs are currently unemployed.
[Find out more about inspirational charities giving back]
That’s where the cafe comes in. The Blue Tangerine Cafe – a rice horse box that has been lovingly converted into a mobile cafe – has a main aim to encompass the federations mission to change the perception of children and young people, but to also provide them with transferrable and employable skills that will enable them to access opportunities once they enter our mainstream world.
The cafe is run by the young people who attend one of the schools within The Blue Tangerine Federation. They gain accredited qualifications in Barista Training and Food Hygiene. On top of their qualifications, they are given hands 0n experience to encourage independence, gain confidence in communication skills and reinforce their maths skills.
The charity has also worked closely with Smith's Coffee in Hemel Hempstead to develop a unique range of teas, coffees and hot chocolate, only available through The Blue Tangerine Cafe, that can be enjoyed at home.
The range includes espresso beans, all purpose grind, biodegradable capsules, English breakfast tea, autumn tea, spring tea and a famous hot chocolate.
All profits go back into this project to ensure the charity can continue offering this opportunity to the students of The Blue Tangerine Federation. Find out more about the Blue Tangerine Federation here.
