Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives and UNICEF have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advocate for children’s rights, support skill development and foster career-exploration in the hospitality industry for the Maldivian youth.
The agreement was signed on 6 October at the luxury resort by the general manager Maciej Gruszecki and UNICEF Representative to the Maldives Dr Munir Safieldin. The Noonu Atoll local council, the Manadhoo school principal and the resort’s management team also took part in the ceremony.
According to Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives, they are the first resort in the Maldives to collaborate with UNICEF to provide opportunities for young locals to acquire skills and experience and improve their employability in the Maldives’ growing tourism industry.
“Suitable candidates, identified by UNICEF, will learn from the hands-on experience through a 6- month vocational training or a 12-month, paid apprenticeship programme at the Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives. Building the right skills for the current work environment is key and training for ethics, customer relations, inter-personal skills and English language is vital to give young people the required edge to be employed in the challenging hotel and hospitality industry of the Maldives”, the resort said in a press statement.
“We are privileged to partner with UNICEF in helping local youth by offering an avenue in which they can shape their future,” said Maciej Gruszecki.
“As part of a global leading hospitality group, we feel strongly about our obligation to contribute to the growth and in development of our local community. Sharing our time and expertise by opening our doors to youths wishing to pursue a career in the tourism industry is something that we believe will have a very positive impact.”
Dr Munir Safieldin added, “The tourism sector is a key contributor to the Maldivian economy yet, few young Maldivians are employed in this sector. This sector has the potential to absorb many young Maldivian men and women searching for jobs. The partnership between UNICEF and the Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives aims to equip young Maldivians with the skills and work experience required for valuable jobs in the tourism sector”.
While in the program, candidates will have the chance to work in different departments including front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, and the culinary brigade, while receiving mentoring from various department heads. Access to training modules will also be provided to participants to enhance the experience. A graduation ceremony will mark the completion of the internship and apprenticeship programs with opportunities for students to take on permanent jobs based on their performance. As part of the agreement, both parties will join forces to advocate for child rights through public events to mark key moments such as the World Children’s Day, International Youth Day and World Water Day, in the islands of Noonu atoll together with local communities.
The partnership also sets out to provide safe drinkable water and reading materials to selected schools in Noonu Atoll. Ensuring water security through the provision of water filters and reusable water bottles will ensure the promotion of environmentally friendly practices and reduce single-use plastic items, the resort said.
Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is located in Noonu Atoll, 45 minutes north of Male International Airport. Mövenpick holds a growing portfolio of more than 90 hotels in 25 countries. Mövenpick is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group offering unique experiences in 4,900 hotels and residences across 110 countries. Visit movenpick.com for more information.
UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non-political and impartial, we are never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures.