Fondation Mérieux
Roots for life
International Hotel Training Courses
« Since 2005, Les Pensières has been welcoming students from developing countries taking part in training courses in the hotel and restaurant trade »
The Les Pensières team is particularly motivated to contribute to aid and support actions started by Fondation Mérieux in developing countries. This is why, since 2005, the center has been offering hospitality courses for students from underprivileged regions in which the Foundation is established (Asia, Africa…) This action is being run in partnership with Fondation Paul Bocuse.
Training with the mark of quality
Fondation Mérieux will welcome the pupils to Les Pensières and provide them with accommodation. It offers the future professionals from these countries a prestige tool for high-quality hands-on training.
« Les Pensières also has a role of corporate responsibility, working since 2003 with the Seforest association, and employing young people through work rehabilitation to maintain the park and green spaces at the conference centre »
During the three to five months that the courses last, the students learn about the most sophisticated technologies and are provided with modern work tools, whether working in the kitchen, reception, restaurants or hotels. They learn applied work methods in quality establishments across the world. This training is also an opportunity for them to learn a new language and to immerse themselves in western culture.
The expertise that they acquire provides genuine recognition upon returning to their countries and they can achieve positions of responsibility, like these two young Madagascan and Cambodian women who, after their training in Les Pensières in 2006 obtained very good positions in large hotels, in Nosybé (Madagascar) and Siam Reap (Cambodia) respectively.
For young people in developing countries
In 2007, seven people from Cambodia, China and Vietnam will stay at the Les Pensières conference centre to complete their hotel training.
All are from hotel and restaurant training centers in their own countries: the Hoa Sua school in Vietnam; the PSE « Pour un Sourire d'Enfant » association and the Sala Baï (Agir pour le Cambodge association) and Paul Dubrulle schools in Cambodia.
These establishments have been identified for their genuineness and their mission to provide aid to needy young people in the developing countries.
