Shinta Mani Foundation Trains Cambodia’s Youth

Shinta Mani Hotels in Cambodia, which consists of two boutique properties of 39 and 66 rooms, have an NGO attached to their brand called Shinta Mani Foundation which was founded by the owner and has a full-time director, which shows their total commitment to CSR.  The NGO is funded mostly by the hotel and its guests and has offices and training rooms on the hotel premises.  Their vision is to be a leader in responsible tourism and to enhance the lives of individuals in the local communities where they operated, by increase human capital and providing them with the tools to overcome the constraints of poverty.

Founded by Mr. Sokoun Chanpreda, a Cambodian businessman who returned from overseas to invest in the future of his country, the Shinta Mani Foundation is guided by his philosophy of Open Doors, Open Hearts. The Foundation operates in the three core areas of education, healthcare and direct assistance. Of the funds raised 100% go to the Foundation.

Shinta Mani’s community activities began in 2004 with the opening of the Shinta Mani School of Hospitality on the grounds of Shinta Mani Siem Reap, a boutique hotel owned by Mr. Sokoun. This innovative programme, which has received international recognition for its efforts, trained underprivileged Cambodians in aspects of world-class hotel operations on a free of charge basis-providing them the skills to secure employment and to enjoy a brighter future.

The Shinta Mani Foundation seeks to be a leader in responsible tourism. The goal of the Shinta Mani Foundation (SMF) is to enhance the lives of the individuals in the local communities where we operate - by increasing their human capital and providing them the tools to overcome the constraints of poverty.

Education

Cambodia has one of the largest populations of unskilled youth in all of South East Asia. To address this situation, The Shinta Mani Foundation assists young people in the Siem Reap community by providing them with the skills to obtain meaningful employment to support themselves and their families. Students generally come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and all students are selected based on their desire to learn and improve their skills.

 The Hospitality Training School educates students for ten months. During this time, they receive free tuition, uniforms, materials, and bicycles, and meals while training. They also receive a small stipend of rice and money to help support their families. Housing is provided to students on a limited basis and all students are supported through generous donations from guests at Shinta Mani and other supporters. All students learn English as well as general life skills. Students specialize in one of the departments of the hotel, including culinary, front office, housekeeping, maintenance, restaurant, and spa therapy. In September 2013, the Shinta Mani Foundation expanded its training program by setting up the Farming Development Center with the goal of enhancing the lives of young Khmer villagers living in the countryside surrounding Siem Reap.  The Shinta Mani Foundation Farming Development Center is currently collaborating with the US government’s Feed the Future Initiative in coordination with the World Vegetable Center and USAID (United States Agency for International Development). Our goal is to research the best varietals of vegetables to be grown in Cambodia’s harsh climate and then use that information to teach local villagers to grow their own home garden. By the end of 2017 we plan to reach 1,900 families in the Siem Reap area, teaching them to produce their own healthy veggies.

Small Business Start-Up

The Shinta Mani Foundation provides interest-free, micro-finance loans to local entrepreneurs and aspiring students so they may start a business or obtain a university degree. 

They also attend basic business classes in order to manage and grow their business. Repayments of loans are then utilized by the Shinta Mani Foundation to fund future borrowers. In this way the Foundation is able to continue the cycle of development with the goal of establishing a network of micro-enterprises within the community.

Since 2004, more than 229 Khmer students have graduated from the Shinta Mani School of Hospitality and still enjoy employment in the immediate township and local countryside. 

This successful blending of non-profit work alongside the hotel’s award-winning for-profit operations attracted such interest and support that by 2006; Shinta Mani began to explore ways to give back to the greater community.  They did this by engaging in community development programs targeting rural families.  Shinta Mani sought to empower these families through basic assistance. Over a four-year period, guests of Shinta Mani sponsored over 900 piglets, 800 school supplies, 1330 water wells and 97 homes.     

In its first six years, The Shinta Mani Foundation achieved measurable success in education and livelihood assistance resulting in meaningful change in the lives of individual families and for the community. These accomplishments led the founders to explore new ways to ensure that the efforts and support generated thus far would continue far into the future.

In 2011, all such community projects were unified under an independent and locally registered (Cambodian) not-for-profit organization known as the Shinta Mani Foundation. The Shinta Mani Foundation oversees The Development Center located within the grounds of the Shinta Mani Resort, Siem Reap and has expanded its programs to provide healthcare and support small business start-ups. 

Healthcare

The Shinta Mani Foundation supports medical and dental professionals to provide check-ups in rural areas.   We also collaborate with respected international organizations to bring medical professionals to Cambodia  in order to provide medical and dental care in the villages, to villagers who would otherwise go untreated.

As medical costs are some of the most debilitating expenses for families in Cambodia many do not receive adequate care and attention.  We believe that promoting preventive health measures such as educating rural Cambodians on the proper use of mosquito nets, as well as supporting those who have immediate medical issues, is necessary to ensure the entire community’s long-term development. Making a Difference

The Shinta Mani Foundation welcomes short-term volunteers who would like to contribute their time and skills to our organization. Short term volunteers can assist students of The Hospitality Training School to become more confident in their interaction with foreigners. Volunteers can teach short lessons, play educational games or have a conversation with students outside of classroom hours when students relax in the Bill Bensley Library and Computer Lab. Longer stay volunteers are sought for medical guidance, culinary instruction and staff training.

Please contact the Director at smf.ed@shintamani.com for more information about volunteer opportunities. Generous donations from current and former guests of Shinta Mani Siem Reap represent the primary source of support for The Shinta Mani Foundation. We look forward to welcoming you. 

Outcomes

1,330 families drinking clean, healthy water

98 families living in homes

8,000 children living healthy lives

59 entrepreneurs providing income for their families

229 Cambodians working in the Hospitality Industry

Location

Shinta Mani enjoys a quiet and leafy setting within the township of Siem Reap – 15 min tuk tuk ride from the magnificent Temples of Angkor Wat. Guests will enjoy this peaceful oasis which is within walking distance to the Old market, the cafes and bars of the vibrant tourist trail and only footsteps from the tranquility of the nearby riverfront. Nearby attractions include the Royal Residence. The Shinta Mnai Foundation is located in the grounds of Shinta Mani. To visit the Development Centre during your stay, or know more about the Foundation activities, just ask our team at the front desk.  

Shopping For Cause

During your visit, get to know Senhoa, a jewellery fashion brand with a passion to create opportunities for survivors and vulnerable persons to end modern-day salvery. Senhoa’s luxe collections, comprising of glamorous necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and exclusive couture pieces, are made with high-grade materials, semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals. 100% of profits from the sale of these individually handcrafted jewels go directly to fund Senhoa’s community development projects. Senhoa’s handcrafted items are available at the Shinta Mani Resort shop – Anakut. 

Please visit our website at www.shintamanifoundation.org or contact our Director at smf.ed@shintamani.com for further details