Twenty years ago, Phaisan graduated from the Don Bosco Technical School in Bangkok, Thailand. Today, he pays that opportunity forward—by training and employing underprivileged youth in coffee production and retail services.

di BOSCO Coffee, borne of Phaisan’s three complementary passions—coffee, helping the poor, and supporting Salesian-run initiatives—has grown from its humble beginnings as a single shop in Chiang Mai into a global brand, recognized by leading hotels and restaurants. In addition to locations in Thailand, di BOSCO Coffee now has retail locations in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, successes that Phaisan has leveraged in order to advance his vision.

At di BOSCO Academy, youth enroll in short, intensive courses that cover every aspect of the coffee business—from sourcing the beans, to roasting them and ensuring their quality, to brewing and serving the perfect cup. At the conclusion of their training, students have the opportunity to work as baristas in a di BOSCO café, on the production line, or in one of a number of back-end functions.

“Salesian missionaries, and those supporting their work, know their local economies—and are able to develop strategic educational programs and partnerships to help prepare impoverished youth for work in high-demand sectors,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “Programs like the di BOSCO Academy provide young people with opportunities to find and retain long-term employment to support their families and communities.”

Indeed, if a recent review of di BOSCO Coffee on “Citylife Chiang Mai” is any indication, Phaisan has hit the nail on the head: “This quirky but trendy little café serves up coffee from its own roasting factory with all the menu items you’d come to expect from a self-respecting specialist.”

Thanks to his entrepreneurial generosity, many formerly marginalized youth have discovered their own self-respect through the dignity of work and the ability to make a decent living.

Our mission teaches youth the skills they need to support themselves and become contributing members of society. What’s your mission?