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

The third class of the Shinta Mani Institute of Hospitality in Siem Reap, Cambodia graduated on October 27th, 2006 after completing the 9-month course in hospitality studies.

Twenty three students were presented with their graduation certificates by H.E. Noun Bo Phal representing Minister of Post and Telecommunication of Cambodia, the owner and founder of the hotel and its institute, Mr. Sokoun Chanpreda and Mr Sim Thy The Deputy Director of Postal Department of Cambodia together with Ms Chitra Vincent the Academic Director of Shinta Mani’s Institute of Hospitality.

From time to time many guests of Shinta Mani interacted with the students – passing on life experiences, and supporting the school in the form of different direct donations.

For the first time each student received some support from individual donors from the different donor packages “We are very lucky this year that we have received continuous supports from our guests and friends” said Chitra.

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 individual donations. 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.

A former student Mr. Louem Dany, spoke on behalf of his fellow classmates, “I am a very lucky man, after graduated I got a job here in Siem Reap with starting salary US$ 50 per month, three months later my boss increased my salary to US$ 70 and because he is very happy with my performance he again increased my salary to US$ 80. Now, I can support the education of my two younger brothers and the life of my family, thank you Shinta Mani.”

The fourth class of students will commence in January 2007 where 26 students will be selected out of more than 300 applicants.

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