Philanthropy
By Jan Byrnes , Vice President of Grand Circle Foundation
Finding Hope in Hospitality STREETS — a culinary and hospitality training program — is changing the lives of at-risk Vietnamese students
Right : STREETS Class # 17 began their training in March of 2023 .
Cuong , a recent graduate of STREETS , grew up in the Minh Tu orphanage , another Grand Circle Foundationsupported site .
Learn about the lives of rural villagers in Vietnam during your A Day in the Life experience in Tho Ha Village when you join us for Inside Vietnam .
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Founded in 2009 and based in Hoi An , Vietnam , STREETS is a 14-month-long program which teaches students English and trains them on the extensive skills needed for the culinary and hospitality industries . Disadvantaged and vulnerable youth living in poverty are chosen to participate in this no-cost program .
Each trainee participant is provided classroom instruction with hands-on experience in the culinary arts and / or hospitality services as well as given nutritious meals , supervised housing , clothing , uniform , monthly allowance , and basic medical care .
This is the only real chance for many of these disadvantaged young adults to transition from poverty and life on the streets to the dignity of self-sufficiency that comes with a successful career in hospitality . STREETS is committed to providing trainees with the opportunity to build a life marked by achievement and economic independence for themselves , their families , and their communities .
Since our partnership began , Grand Circle Foundation has funded 45 life-changing scholarships . Each 14-month course costs just $ 1800 — a little over $ 100 per month to change someone ’ s future . We sponsored class # 16 in 2022 , and those students have all finished their orientation period and started their Hospitality classes . They are well along in developing their English language skills and building confidence as they interact with guests as part of their hands-on apprenticeship at a restaurant called Oodles of Noodles .
Class # 17 began their journey at STREETS at the end of March 2023 . The 22 new trainees from throughout Vietnam now have a safe , healthy , supervised home at STREETS ’ trainee houses . This new class includes three young women from the Duc Son Pagoda in Hue , which is home to the Minh Tu Orphanage — a partner of Grand Circle Foundation since 2002 . Based on our decades of experience with this incredibly supportive organization , we have no doubt that these young women will embrace their new opportunities and shine .
36 DISPATCHES • JUNE 2023