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  3. HoKa Training Programme Phase 3 Launched to Benefit Over 3,500 Disadvantaged Youth

HoKa Training Programme Phase 3 Launched to Benefit Over 3,500 Disadvantaged Youth

Cambodia
Upskilling and Reskilling, Initial vocational education and training, Labour market insertion, Sustainable tourism
26.12.2024
The Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) Training Programme has entered its third phase (2024-2028) to provide quality hospitality vocational training to approximately 3,520 disadvantaged young women and men and low-skilled workers. The initiative aims to equip them with the skills needed for decent employment and higher incomes while promoting sustainable tourism development in Cambodia's target provinces.

The official launch ceremony, held in Phnom Penh, was presided over by H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, alongside Mr. Reto Grueninger, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and Mr. Daniel Nugraha, Country Director of Swisscontact Cambodia. The ceremony brought together approximately 150 distinguished guests, including representatives from relevant ministries, development partners, national and international organisations, provincial deputy governors, directors of provincial and commune tourism departments, as well as members of the tourism industry associations, tourism operators, and experts.

Recognising HoKa's impact

In his keynote address, H.E. Minister Huot Hak praised the HoKa Steering Committee team for their unwavering commitment, supported by Swisscontact and key stakeholders. He highlighted the vital role of the HoKa programme in driving the Ministry of Tourism's vision to build a skilled workforce that meets the needs of Cambodia's expanding tourism industry.

"Since its inception in 2017, HoKa has successfully trained 6,397 individuals, including disadvantaged youth, business owners, managers and tourism professionals. The nationally recognised programme stands out for its quality, alignment with industry needs, standardised training materials, and highly skilled trainers."
H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of the Ministry ofTourism

Commitment to cooperation and sustainability

Mr. Reto Grueninger (SDC) highlighted Switzerland's ongoing support for Cambodia's development, noting the critical role of the hospitality sector in driving economic growth. 

"We are committed to supporting the tourism skills development strategy of the Ministry. By empowering youth through skills development, we are not only improving livelihoods but also fostering a stronger and more sustainable tourism industry."
Mr. Reto Grueninger, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

Mr. Daniel Nugraha (Swisscontact Cambodia) reaffirmed the organisation's continued commitment to the success of the HoKa programme.

"To ensure the continued success and sustainability of the HoKa training programme, strong support is needed from all relevant key stakeholders including the private sector, development partners as well as all 25 Provincial Departments of Tourism to actively implement and financially contribute to the HoKa training programme at both national and sub-national levels."
Mr. Daniel Nugraha, Country Director of Swisscontact Cambodia

A pathway to sustainable growth

As a leading industry-based training model, the Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) programme offers high-value hospitality training tailored to low-skilled workers, supervisors, managers, and business owners in the hospitality sector. The programme supports upskilling and reskilling needs for a diverse range of establishments, including hotels, guesthouses, resorts, restaurants, coffee shops, and eco-tourism communities. Participants benefit from gaining recognised certificates that enhance their career prospects and contribute to the growth and quality of their businesses.

HoKa’s comprehensive courses include theoretical knowledge, technical skills, soft skills, methodology, and hospitality management. Training is offered in key areas such as Front Office, Housekeeping, Cooking, Food & Beverage Service, Barista, and Community Tour Guide.

Implemented across twelve target provinces, HoKa operates through a partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and the Skills Development Programme, a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and co-funded by the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED).

2024 - 2028
Cambodia
Initial vocational education and training, Labour market insertion, Sustainable tourism
Skills Development Programme (SDP)
The overall goal of the Skills Development Programme (SDP) is for disadvantaged young women and men and low-skilled workers in five rural provinces of Cambodia (Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Kratie, Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri) to gain access to decent employment and increased income. 
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