Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 540 hotels and resorts in 56 countries located in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Indian Ocean, presents
'DowNHState', a program that has been created to promote learning opportunities for young people with Down syndrome, providing work-based learning environments that are safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective. These learning environments will allow them to enrich the practical skills and abilities required to perform in the work context.
“In our hotels, we have had the privilege of receiving more than 5 young people, to whom we have provided a warm and welcoming work environment. Here, they have experienced the affection of our entire team, which has driven them to strengthen their existing skills and cultivate new skills. By integrating into our team dynamic, they have felt part of something bigger, a community where they find an environment of support and constant motivation,” comments Carla Amado, Country Manager, Chile, Minor Hotels.
In Argentina, the project began with the Down Syndrome Association of the Argentine Republic (ASDRA) and allowed the incorporation of three employees at the NH Buenos Aires City hotel: Leila, Pablo and Martín.
In both Chile and Argentina, the inclusion model has been based on the support and technical advice of a specialized institution, developing the same contracting processes, adapted to each society and the corresponding legal framework. In Argentina with the help of ASDRA and in Chile, with EduDown.
As part of our commitment to labor inclusion, NH Collection Plaza Santiago will offer its facilities for the EduDown solidarity dinner, which will take place on April 24. This initiative aims to raise funds to finance 100% free care for girls, boys and young people with Down syndrome in Chile.
Minor Hotels has a strong commitment to the labor insertion of those groups that traditionally have difficulties entering the labor market.
“This is a transversal project that we are making a reality throughout Latin America. In this way, we reinforce our commitment to inclusion and offer different work schemes that benefit the societies of which we are part. 'DowNHState' is a concrete example that reflects one of the pillars of Minor Hotels' corporate culture, which is based on inclusion and diversity,” says Christian J. Daghelinckx, Managing Director of Minor Hotels America.