More than just a cup of coffee: Steps with Theera

Steps with Theera do so much more than serve up coffee and delicious snacks at our Primary School.

They run vocational training centres and coffee shops in Bangkok and Phuket for young adults (some who have learning differences), to gain the skills they need to access a fulfilling career. The next time you’re at the Primary School, stop by the coffee shop to learn more about their mission.

What is Steps with Theera (Steps)? 

Steps is a social enterprise that provides alternative education pathways for teens and adults with learning differences via curriculums such as ASDAN and BTEC. 

An important aspect of the Steps programme is the opportunities learners have for hands-on learning and experience across various social businesses. Steps has a number of social enterprises including:

• Coffee Shops - Exceptional range of coffees, vegan and non-vegan dishes, healthy snacks and nutritious smoothies.

• Zero Waste Shops - An environmental solution to the issues of single use plastic.

• Business Service Centres - Groups of passionate young trainees keen to help businesses and gain work experience.

Not only do these businesses create an opportunity for training and meaningful work, they help to demonstrate the capabilities of this community to society.

What makes Steps unique? 

• Steps enterprises provide teens and adults with learning differences opportunities for training and meaningful work.

• Steps is a community of acceptance that embraces difference and individuality.

• It's a platform that showcases capability and highlights potential.

• Steps support its learners to attain qualifications, sustainable employment and opportunities to contribute to society. 

The Steps - St Andrews Partnership

Steps work closely with St Andrews to offer opportunities for all our learners to benefit from their onsite coffee shop and zero waste shop. Whether it is a visit to learn about making healthy smoothies, or for business students to learn more about social enterprise, there are learning opportunities for all. 

To date, we are proud of the many BTEC students who have utilised the coffee shop to experience work and extend their learning. The fantastic Eco Beasts were instrumental in creating Little Steps to Zero Waste (the onsite eco-friendly shop) and they continue to be powerful advocates for reducing plastic usage in international schools across Bangkok. 

By the whole school utilising this fantastic service, we will destigmatise it as a service only for learning support students and demonstrate that vocational training and hands-on work benefits everyone. 

By choosing Steps for coffee, lunch or an event you are helping to create a more diverse, vibrant and inclusive community. Be sure to visit Steps and enjoy their coffee, healthy snacks, and delicious sandwiches. 

Check out the new and improved 2020 menu here!