Brewing up opportunities for children with autism
Autistic teenagers from Angel Music Salon, including some also working at A Coffee, play music to celebrate the first anniversary of the cafe's relocation.
Autistic teenagers from Angel Music Salon, including some also working at A Coffee, dances to celebrate the first anniversary of the cafe's relocation to the current site.
Autistic teenagers make coffee.
Known as “children of stars,” children with autism are often labeled as noisy, disobedient or indifferent.
The A Coffee cafe, however, has changed those stereotypes.
“Hello, what’s your name?” “Would you like some coffee? Latte, Americano or cappuccino?” “Do you want some sugar?” In the A Coffee cafe, which is staffed by teenagers with autism, baristas can make good coffee while waiters always have a smile on their faces.
Opened last year to brew opportunities for teenagers with autism, it’s a charity project rather than an actual shop.
Trained volunteers impersonate customers, while autistic teenagers serve them coffee.
Organizer Cao Xiaoxia, also known as Konatsu Ishiwata as she married a Japanese man, said she hopes the project will help children adapt to society and lead a life of their own.
A Coffee was set up by local non-profit organization Angel Music Salon that aims to light up the lives of children with autism through music.
Initially opened in Jing’an Park in April 2018, A Coffee moved to its current address at the Shanghai Youth Center in May 2018.
Sunday marked the first anniversary of its relocation.
Over one year, more than 5,000 volunteers have joined in the project, building a bridge between autistic children and the society, and raising awareness of autism.
As it is also gaining influence. On Sunday, A Coffee assisted children with mental retardation and other problems.
“Teenagers working at the cafe have changed considerably over the past year,” Cao said. “Previously, they dared not talk to strangers, but now they have grown in confidence and are happy to have a chat. Also, some of them can now go to A Coffee and order meals by themselves.
“It’s not easy to make coffee,” Cao added. “Baristas from Starbucks come from time to time to teach them skills like the complicated Latte Art. Next, I hope they can go to take exams and receive certificates as professional baristas.”
