Prague and surrounding region is full of cute coffe spots and bistros. However Medzi řádky a network of cafes and bistros operated by Czech social enterprise group Etincelle works both ways. It serves you a good cup of coffe and a snack but also provides a job to people who may find it harder to be employed.
Their main goal is to give job opportunity to people with dissabilities. It all started with the idea that “it is normal to be different”. They decided to give people with disabilities an opportunity to develop their talents so that they can live an independent and meaningful life. Today, almost 200 of them work for Etincelle. 15 years of their work have been a proof that a handicap is not an obstacle. Every time you visit one of their cafes or purchase their product you confirm it. The concept has grown considerably since its beginnings. The flagship Mezi řádky café is located in Prague’s Smíchov district and has twice received the title of Café of the Year in Prague 5. The organisation has since expanded to 16 establishments, including locations at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts, Prague City Hall, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and several other institutions and companies.
Apart from cafes and bistros Etincellle has more to offer. They have their own artisan bakery, bakery U Dvou rohlíků and a small coffee roastery in Šumava. The menu includes daily lunch options, desserts, pasta salads and poké bowls. Their customers are not simply visiting a place because they want to support its cause, they are coming for good food, coffee and a pleasant café experience. They also do wide variety of other activites. On the farm in Ledce they grow fruit, vegetables and herbs. They make dog biscuits, they have their own laundry teams and cleaning teams which clean public areas and greenery. They are currently working on the opening of a guesthouse and bistro Mezi lesy in Šumava. Medzi řádky gives even a cup of coffe bigger meaning. It represents creation of an employment opportunities, independence and a more inclusive labour market for people with disabilities.
For more information check their website here