New Hope
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Impact
Since the restaurant became fully operational in 2011, our partner G Adventures has annually sent thousands of customers and travellers to the training restaurant. Trainees of this program have found placements in careers in the hospitality industry. The proceeds from the traveller’s meals support over 1,000 student’s education and 1,000 free medical checkups through New Hope’s Outreach program, reaching some of the poorest areas outside of Siem Reap. New Hope’s programs go beyond training and education, providing health care through their centre, and providing fresh water to the student’s families to reduce sickness. In 2019, New Hope engaged children in waste reduction programs which helped to build their respect for the natural environment, and create a safer, cleaner space.
Critical Need
The people of Cambodia are still rebuilding the country following the genocide of the Khmer Rouge regime. One of the biggest economic drivers is the beautiful Angkor Wat complex just outside of Siem Reap, but the ripple effects of tourism are still not reaching some of the most vulnerable groups. Further, there is a lack of training programs, access to education, and employment opportunities for adults.
Our Involvement
In 2010, Planeterra worked with New Hope Outreach Centre to build a training restaurant to support young Khmers living just outside of Siem Reap. Over $60,000 CAD in donations were raised through one of our partners G Adventures, to build the restaurant and provide professional training to young adults that expressed interest in the hospitality industry. The training program is a six-month commitment and our ground partners assist with full-time job placements in one of the many burgeoning hotels, resorts and restaurants in the Siem Reap region.
