On October 6, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The partnership is aimed at campaigning for children’s rights and supporting the development of skills and fostering career exploration for the Maldivian youth in the hospitality industry.
Munir Safieldin, UNICEF Ambassador to the Maldives, signed the agreement while Maciej Gruszecki, General Manager, represented Mövenpick Maldives.
In addition to the management team of the resort, the event was attended by representatives of the Noonu Atoll Council and the principal of Manadhoo School.
Under the contract, UNICEF would find suitable candidates in a six-month vocational training and 12-month paid apprenticeship course at the Mövenpick resort to benefit from hands-on experience.
Candidates must work in different resort units, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverages, and the Culinary Brigade, according to Mövenpick. The department heads are to advise them with exposure to training modules to improve their skills.
At the culmination of their training, the internship and apprenticeship courses will be concluded by a graduation ceremony. Additionally, there are incentives for students to take up permanent positions at the resort based on performance.
The resort’s GM stated that they are privileged to partner with UNICEF to assist local youth to shape their future.
“As part of a global leading hospitality group, we feel strongly about our obligation to contribute to the growth and 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 acknowledged that while tourism is one of the key contributors to Maldives ‘ local economy, the industry employs only a few from the local youth.
“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 sector”.
As part of the alliance, both sides would collectively advocate for children’s rights via public events to commemorate important occasions including World Children’s Day, International Youth Day and World Water Day together with local communities on the islands of Noonu Atoll.
In contrast, the resort and the NGO are also setting out to provide chosen schools in the Atoll with safe drinking water and reading materials. Water filters and disposable water bottles will be given to ensure clean drinking water and foster environmentally friendly activities.
Mövenpick mentioned that this was the first time that a resort in the Maldives was partnering with UNICEF to offer local youth opportunities to gain skills, experience and develop their employability in the tourism industry.
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