Through the program TUI Academy 3, Plan International Dominican Republic, TUI Care Foundation, and the National Institute of Vocational Technical Training (Infotep), 62 young people from the province of La Altagracia graduated in technical careers for hospitality and tourism. They focused on the prevention of sexual exploitation.
The young people are from various communities in Higüey and Bavarian. They completed their training, specializing in secretarial services, preparation of drinks and cocktails, concierge, and bar waiter.
The group, made up of 50 women and 12 men, received a technical education and participated in a life skills training process taught by Plan International.
Representing their colleagues, Yomaira, Saory, and Pedro highlighted the importance of this preparation to access jobs in the hotel zone of Bávaro, Punta Cana.
They thanked the organizations involved for reaching out to their communities and providing them with this opportunity. They encouraged other young people to participate in future projects.
Radhames Jimenez, Eastern Regional Deputy Director of Infotep, congratulated the young people on behalf of the institution, recognizing the fundamental role of the organizations involved.
The ceremony was attended by Sandra Machuca of the hotel chain Blue Diamond Resorts and Gabriela Rodriguez on behalf of Plan International.
Since its inception in 2017, the TUI Academy has enrolled a total of 570 young people, 497 have completed technical training at Infotep, 355 completed internships, and more than 200 were hired by the Blue Diamond Resorts chain. Another 100 were hired in partner hotels of Plan International Dominican Republic and TUI Academy.