Second class of the Shinta Mani Institute of Hospitality in Siem Reap, Cambodia graduates

The second class of the Shinta Mani Institute of Hospitality in Siem Reap, Cambodia graduated last month after completing a 9-month course in hospitality studies.

Twenty one students were presented with their graduation certificates by H.E. Minister of Tourism for Cambodia, the owner and founder of the Institute, Mr. Sokoun Chanpreda and the General Manager of Shinta Mani, Mr Arif.

The Institute focuses on core studies including English, and operational activities within all departments of a hotel.

From time to time even guests of Shinta Mani interact with the students – passing on life experience, mentoring support and directly supporting the school in forms of different direct donations.

100% of the students were selected by different donors from many different countries, “We have received great and continuous support from our guests and friends” said Arif.

Officially opened on June 7, 2004, the Shinta Mani Hotel and Institute of Hospitality is a vocational training facility funded from the operations of the hotel as well as from private individuals. The students are selected by various local NGO’s in consultation with the management of the hotel and all are young Cambodian adults coming from different areas of risk.

Besides paying no fees each student is paid a monthly stipend, uniforms, meals, study materials and a weekly supply of 4 kilograms of rice for their families.

In accepting his graduation certificate, outstanding all round student Mr. Orn Soaline, 19, spoke on behalf of his fellow classmates, “Getting a good education was a dream to all of us, we were so happy that Shinta Mani has made our dreams come true”. 

In addition to its own funding, the Shinta Mani website shintamani.com provides the public with an opportunity to contribute to funding of the school and other local community projects in Siem Reap. An additional US$ 5 is donated from every booking made directly to the hotel via the website.

The third class of students will commence in January 2006 and the school has a long term plan to expand the school and increase the number of students which can be accommodated.

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