HONG KONG—Education is a fundamental right and necessary to achieve life’s goals. However, in some parts of the world, especially those affected by war, poverty and other factors, a solid education remains out of reach.
Since 2000, the nonprofit Room to Read has worked to effect change through programs that support low-income children in early primary and secondary school on a global scale. On September 8, which is also International Literacy Day, Rosewood Hotel Group stepped up to join the organization’s mission focused on literacy and gender equality in education.
“Rosewood believes that learning is the foundation of all possibility in life, and we are committed to empowering today’s youth through education,” said Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group. “Nurturing the next generation so they can realize their full potential and become a positive force in their communities and the world is of vital importance, and we are thrilled to be able to play our part.”
Through the partnership, Rosewood will provide funds that will allow 100 young women in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to continue their secondary schooling as part of Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program. The program increases community support for girls’ education and reinforces girls’ commitment to their own education and development, noted Cheng.
Room to Read has benefited 10 million children across 18,000 communities in Africa and Asia and aims to reach 15 million children by 2020. In addition, the organization hires local women as mentors to encourage the girls. In 2016, 650 mentors will be trained and employed.
“Room to Read focuses on deep, systematic transformation within schools in low-income countries during two time periods which are most critical in a child’s schooling: early primary school for literacy acquisition and secondary school for girls’ education,” said Cheng.
To activate team efforts, the brand encourages friends, families, guests and business partners to join hands in these projects, and by mobilizing its global network, according to Cheng, there is significant reach and ability to bring about positive change. The brand will also support other Room to Read programs through fundraising efforts, in-kind donations, seasonal initiatives and on-the-ground practical assistance.
“People are the heart of the hospitality business, but it’s not just about our guests, hotel associates and stakeholders,” said Cheng. “By supporting Room to Read, we are striving to provide children with a better future through education and it’s one of the most effective ways to combat global poverty. Rosewood is honored to aid in facilitating learning opportunities for the next generation of today’s world.”
It’s also a time of growth for Rosewood, with 18 properties in the collection and 18 properties in the pipeline. As the brand’s CEO, Cheng is very focused on the vision and trajectory of Rosewood. “As we expand, we are thoughtful in our approach so as to stay true to Rosewood’s Sense of Place philosophy. We believe a hotel can only achieve exceptional status when it represents the soul and sensibilities of the destination,” she said. “Each property reflects its location’s history, culture and geography, and as we introduce new properties we focus on culture, design and culinary experiences that differentiate the Rosewood luxury experience.”
—Corris Little