THE Cosy Cafe in Kuching, Sarawak is just four months old but it has opened up a new world of learning for the people with disabilities working there, founder Shen Chiu Hsiang said.

Shen, who is also the founder of the House of Joy Double Blessing Caring Society in Kuching, said the cafe was established to provide job opportunities for this group of people and to teach them self-reliance.

“Step by step, we are seeing breakthroughs. They can learn formal workplace skills and build courage to face the outside world so they can take up employment elsewhere in the future,” Shen told The Malaysian Insight.

Cosy Cafe is in Jalan Stapok, next to the clubhouse in Jalan Shitabo.

The restaurant employs six disabled individuals. Aged between 20 and 30, they each have different levels of learning challenges.

“When the cafe opened, they were afraid to greet guests, but after training and encouragement, they now know how to take the initiative and welcome people.”

The six workers take on roles such as cashier and cook, under guidance and supervision.

“I do worry whether they can keep up. We let them give it a try and allow them to change roles.

‘We are also upfront with customers about the purpose of this cafe and the people who work here.”

Shen said customers have responded positively and shown love and concern for the workers.

“It’s not about getting sympathy; they can see that our workers are trying hard. When there are shortcomings, we are honest with our customers and apologise.”

Shen said it was hard to make profit, even after four months in business. Not many people knew about the café and only after some media publicity and friendly word-of-mouth did business improve slightly.

“Although business is going slow, at least everyone is working hard. If we don’t stick it out, what are these young people with disabilities going to do with their future?”

The restaurant offers simple Chinese and Western food. The main dish is braised pork rice.

Shen said it was also planning to start lunchbox orders for groups and offices.

Future plans might include growing vegetables for a farm-to-table dining concept.

Cosy Cafe is open on weekdays, from 9am to 2pm. Earnings are used for the education and training of disabled students. – July 27, 2022.