Hospitality Skills Training Benefits Underprivileged Youth
Orn Inn, who was originally from the province, said this program changed his fate from herdsperson to a full-time employee in a city hotel. Photo: Isa Rohany
- By Isa Rohany
- November 7, 2023 9:00 AM
Siem Reap – More than 200 poor and underprivileged youths in Siem Reap province have successfully completed hospitality skills training and are looking for tourism jobs.
Siem Reap Tourism Club Association (STC) organized the six-month training, which includes front line, food and beverage services from May until Oct. 31. The project gave a chance to students who drop out of school, especially those who could not afford tuition fees.
Trainees were also taught English to overcome communication barriers with international guests.
Orn Inn, who was originally from the province, said this program changed his fate from herdsperson to a full-time employee in a city hotel.
He spent two months studying front line hospitality and another four doing an internship in a hotel.
Orn Inn said due to his family situation, he had no choice but to drop out from school in 2018 when he was in grade 12.
“This training program not only teaches me a specific skill but also opens up many job opportunities,” he said.
“With the knowledge I have gained from here, I will strive to develop myself for better opportunities.”
Moet Mab, 18, said he began to foresee his future again after dropping out of school in grade nine.
Moet Mab said he used to feel useless when he had nothing to do at home. However, he is now feeling happy as he can support his family. He is now working at the Meomoire Palace Resort and Spa in Siem Reap province.
“I wish STC could host more training courses for underprivileged youths,” he said.
President of STC Set Kao said at the closing ceremony on Oct. 31 that 300 trainees took part in this training and 51 trainees dropped out.
Of those who remained, 212 or more than 85%, were now employed and 117 of them were female.
“This training program is beneficial for trainees to land jobs after completion. Obtaining a specific job will help them to support themselves as well as their families. This program will help to reduce migration as well,” Set Kao said.
Hospitality Skills Training is co-financed by the Skills Development Fund of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and with teaching material supported by the Ministry of Tourism.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.
