Jetwing Group boosts its youth development initiative
A dream that came true at Jetwing Vil Uyana 5 years ago has now come alive once more, this time at the upcoming Jetwing Lagoon. Bringing the amazing success in Sigiriya to the birthplace of Jetwing in Negombo, the Jetwing Youth Development Project (JYDP) held its inauguration on the 23rd of September, with Sarath Gunaratne as the Chief Guest. A novel initiative which has found sustenance through its massive contribution into the society and communities around, this iteration of JYDP follows the same guidelines as its predecessor: a comprehensive course of English skills, personal grooming and hygiene, as well as hoteliering skills, the Jetwing Group said in a statement.
Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing said, “We founded JYDP in order to address the growing concern of youth unemployment, purely due to their lack of educational or technical requirements. The course is structured so as to give these youth the tools they need, as they are quite talented and hardworking. It is our responsibility to help them create their future; as theirs molds the future of our very own country.
“It is quite fitting that we conduct the Project during the construction of Jetwing Lagoon, formerly known as the Blue Lagoon by Geoffrey Bawa, which also possesses the unique distinction of being his and Sri Lanka’s first resort. Our reimagining of the property has been in line with his original design, and we hope at its completion will be a source of new opportunity to the surrounding community.”
A total of 60 youth will be participating, all of who are unemployed and between the ages of 18-25, from traditional trade families such as farming and fishing. With the aims of JYDP to provide new avenues for such youth to pursue, and the overwhelming success it generates (as in the case at Jetwing Vil Uyana, where all participants passed and most recruited into the staff cadre upon completion, with others finding gainful employment in the industry); the Project in Negombo is held with the blessings of the families, the religious and community leaders. Tuition in English will be conducted by a renowned tutor from the area, after which skills relating to Basic Hospitality, such as Front Office, Housekeeping, Restaurant & Bar Service and Cookery, which will be conducted by Jetwing’s own Training and Development managers.
“With Jetwing Lagoon being brought to life at a feverish pace, the community around should always be the first to benefit from this industry which is built on Sri Lanka’s values and culture. The Project enables youth from the area to look upon the property as being a second home, and to instill dedication and belonging at every brick or tile that is laid. Come the grand opening, currently scheduled for early 2012, we hope to see many of the participants employed at Jetwing Lagoon, comprehensively trained and ready to face new challenges” said Wester Felthman, General Manager of Jetwing Lagoon.
The birthplace of Jetwing, Negombo, with its inviting small town charm, sandy beaches and spicy nightlife remains close to the company’s heart, with 4 properties: Jetwing Blue, the former Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel which was Jetwing’s first, now relaunched after a massive re-vision along with Jetwing Sea, Jetwing Beach, and Sri Lanka’s first purpose built health resort, Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions. Other locations include Jetwing St. Andrew’s and Jetwing Warwick Gardens nestled high up in the hill country, and Jetwing Kurulubedda in Galle. The Family continues to grow, with the extremely private and exclusive Era Beach, the historic Tangalla Bay, Galle Heritage Villa within the Fort of Galle, and Dedduwa Boat House all under the wings of Jetwing.
Source: http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=35459
