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Testimonials
Adrian Leon
Graduate, 2008 Marriott Costa Rica San José, Costa Rica
"This programme will guide me in deciding what I really want to do. The training and support they have given me are helping me discover my real strengths and weaknesses."
Barbara Szabó
Graduate, 2014 Budapest Marriott Hotel and Courtyard Budapest City Centre Hotel, Hungary
"I learned lots of new things and I gained a tremendous amount of positive experience. Without this programme, it is easy to imagine that I would still be unemployed. Without experience, there is hardly any chance to find a job."
Carlos Sibaja
National Director, Aldeas Infantiles SOS, Costa Rica
"YCI is truly a personal development and employability opportunity. It also gives an important sense of achievement to the youth, which motivates and encouragages them to continue on to greater goals. "
Catalin Popa
National Director of World Vision Romania
"World Vision Romania is proud to work together with YCI in facilitating a practical education for a new generation of young men and women of disadvantaged backgrounds who otherwise would have few opportunities."
Cecilia Pineda Rosas
Graduate 2007, JW Marriott Mexico City, Mexico
"This programme has turned my life 180 degrees."
Cheikh Ahmed Gueye
National Coordinator for Youth Support, SOS Children's Village Dakar, Senegal
"Our young people were trained in a prestigious hotel with high standards. Adding this experience to their CV is a strong asset for their job search. They are full of confidence, as they felt valued and enjoyed the support of their mentors."
Craig Woolley
Graduate, 2006 Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort, Australia
"The people I worked with helped me to achieve jobs I thought I could not do."
Crina Radoi
YCI graduate 2012, Radisson Blu Bucharest Romania
"It ‘s a wonderful programme where you get to know a lot of people. I can work in different departments and I can accumulate a vast experience.I very much like the idea of each of us having their own mentor."
Dalitso Mwanza
YCI Zambia 2016 student
"It has been a great opportunity to be part of the first Youth Career Initiative. I have been given a chance to develop myself and I can sincerely say I am learning a lot. But mostly I am developing skills that will help me go far in the near future. I fully intend to keep working hard so as to create a career."
Danu Ionut
Graduate, 2007 JW Marriott Bucharest Grand, Romania
"The benefits of this program have been amazing and I am grateful for that. I know that the rest is up to me starting from now. Hopefully I will make the best of it!"
Débora Dantas Santos
Graduate, 2005 Brazil
"In 20 weeks I changed 18 years of my life. YCI has been the starting point of my success."
Derrick
YCI Nairobi, Kenya graduate
"For me, YCI has been a real game changer. I know now that if an opportunity comes my way, I will grab it, and I’ll grab it with both hands."
Ed Fuller
Former President & Managing Director, Marriott Lodging International
"What are we getting out of this situation? We’re getting really excited and motivated employees and a couple of these students have already moved into junior management in the hotels they’re working in."
Eloah Freitas
HR Analyst and YCI Coordinator at Sheraton Barra Rio de Janeiro Brazil
"It’s very gratifying to see the development of the students, their change in attitude and behavior. The return on investment to the hotel is barely an indicator of success, it’s about identifying how much we can contribute to their growth."
Eunice
YCI Nairobi, Kenya graduate
"I took it this way: you just bury the past in its grave. You just tell yourself that the future is in the womb and the present is in your hands, so you take it positively and you take it aggressively."
Feda’a Tarsha
Graduate 2012, Four Seasons Amman, Jordan
"Before the programme I would never have had the confidence to stand up and present in front of a room of people. I truly believe that the hotel business offers great opportunities to women in Jordan in a safe working environment."
Fernanda Martins dos Santos
Graduate 2012, Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo, Brazil
"It was wonderful, but the best learning was teamwork. I had the opportunity to learn English and YCI has opened my eyes to the future that has already begun."
Flavio Andrade
General Manager at Holiday Inn Parque Angembi, Sao Paulo, Brazil
"I am very proud to participate in this programme, particularly since I was given an opportunity similar to YCI when I was young. YCI goes hand in hand with IHG’s community engagement philosophy."
Gabriel Vatavu
Graduate 2012, JW Marriott Bucharest, Romania
"I have discovered that this is a huge opportunity, to enlarge my horizon and to discover a whole new me... it all depends on me now and how well I do. "
Ghadeer al Shareef
Ghadeer al Shareef, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Amman Marriott Hotel
"As an extension of the “Spirit to Serve” initiative, Marriott has taken on the role of champion for the implementation of YCI within the hotel industry, and the Amman Marriott Hotel led the way in creating the first YCI programme in the Middle East. Over the years, we have helped young people while respecting local customs and traditions. "
Guillermo
YCI Mexico City, Mexico graduate
"At first I didn’t believe in myself, I was so shy. Now, I love building connections with people and can talk to anyone with confidence. I can see how much I’ve developed and I love being creative and thinking outside the box."
Guillermo Olguin Cruz
Graduate, 2007 Presidente InterContinenal, Mexico
"I can apply the contents of this programme to my everyday life, now imagine what I can do once I graduate."
Hadit Sibaja
Graduate, 2008 Marriott Costa Rica San José
"YCI is a great opportunity for us to learn more about the working environment. Once I complete the program, I will feel more confident finding a new job. I love to see how the different departments work."
Hiba Tarazi
Human Resources Manager, InterContinental Amman
"We at InterContinental Amman believe in the potential of young people to pursue their dreams through the first step of training and skills development. We see YCI as a valuable partner to our IHG Academy which helps young people do this."
Hoang Van Linh
YCI graduate, 2010 Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, Vietnam
"I have learned communication skills, hospitality and restaurants knowledge from this programme. I would like to become a good Bartender and make people feel happy and satisfied with my service. "
Ian Carter
President, Global Development, Hilton Wordwide
"We recognise the value and the huge potential of schemes such as the YCI in helping to leverage the industry’s capacity to foster local pools of talent among disadvantaged communities."
Igael Porecki
General Manager of JW Marriott Bucharest Romania
"Being part of YCI is more than special. The students - at maybe the most decisive stage of their lives - actually become part of our family, and we get to see them blossom right before our eyes."
Inge Huijbrechts
Global Vice President, Responsible Business, Carlson-Rezidor
"YCI is a valuable programme for our hotels to be a good corporate citizen of their local community and to make a real difference in the lives of the graduates and their families."
Iva Trifonov
General Manager, Sheraton Amman al Nabil
"By working with YCI, we ensure that we train enthusiastic young people who will become future leaders in the company."
Jorge Berrio
Former General Manager at JW Marriott Mexico City Mexico
"When they arrive on the first day, they barely look you in the eye. But on the day of their graduation, they are speaking English, giving speeches and interacting with customers. It is a magical transformation."
Karam Shanaa
Student 2014, Kempinski Aqaba, Jordan
"The hotel industry is a great place to work and to develop your skills. You get to know many people and you all become a one big, hard working family. We can add value to our country by serving our guests in a genuine way that reflects our culture and traditions."
Kareem Tuqan
Former Area HR Coordinator Jordan & HR Director, Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel, Jordan
"YCI makes opportunities available by refining the skills of the trainees, by qualifying them and by offering them the chance to improve their socio-economic status."
Katarina Radziszowska
Graduate, 2007 Poland
"I believe that the YCI programme will help me to build my future and help me to achive my goals."
Khien Nguyen
Executive Sous Chef, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake,
"By working with the young people, we all become great teachers. We teach them to love a brand, a job which is the very foundation for their future."
Kidist Chibsa
Graduate, 2007 Sheraton Addis, Ethiopia
"We learned different skills during the last 6 months. Skills that will be valuable to our future. And real life work experience, that we will not be able to get somewhere else."
Krystal Hans
Graduate, 2006 Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort, Australia
"The knowledge and different types of skills that I have learnt throughout this Youth Career Initiative have not only made me more confident within myself but will stay with me throughout my life."
Kylie Foster
Graduate, 2006 Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort, Australia
"I now have a greater understanding of what I want to achieve out of life and luckily for me that involves hospitaility. But I know that if I did not want to continue in the hospitality industry that the skills I learnt will help me in any career that I choose to do."
Liya Mulat
Graduate, 2007 Sheraton Addis, Ethiopia
"We learned to take responsibility for our mistakes, accept assignments with a smile and accomplish tasks according to standards."
Low Iulia
Graduate, 2007 JW Marriott Bucharest Grand, Romania
"I am confident that the YCI experience will open the doors to a better future for me and I feel lucky to have taken part in it!"
Mark Hoplamazian
Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
"We support YCI’s mission and proudly take part in the program’s educational efforts of empowering today’s less fortunate youth to maximize their opportunities for success in all future endeavors."
Martin Pacheco
Graduate 2012, JW Marriott Mexico City, Mexico
"I have learned not to take things for granted and to really appreciate people, and that by working hard I will be able to achieve a better quality of life."
Mary Mukiri
Assistant Learning and Development Manager, Norfolk by Fairmont, Nairobi
"Working with YCI was such a pleasure. Everything was well coordinated and the team were always on hand to help out or answer any queries that we had. The six YCI students also proved to be a great asset for the hotel and the Fairmont Brand and we are very proud of all of them, who recently graduated after completing YCI successfully."
Mekasha Muluiopia
Graduate 2012, Sheraton Addis Ababa Ethiopia
"As YCI graduates, we are more confident. We feel that we are independent and have something positive to offer our community. We are no longer in the dark about our future."
Miriam Cristobal Antonio
Graduate, 2007 Presidente InterContinental, Mexico
"My future started when I got accepted to this programme."
Monica Suri
Complex Director HR & Training at The Westin Gurgaon & The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa India
"YCI is a great initiative and we are more than happy to be associated, because it provides us with a chance to “care for the community” and to reach for the greater good of society which is line with our business ethos. "
Mustafa Daoud
Training Manager, Sheraton Amman al Nabil
"YCI is very motivating for local young people who, thanks to the programme, have the chance to explore working in various departments of the hotel so they can choose to follow the path they are passionate about."
Nguyen Kim Anh
Director of Human Resources, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, Vietnam
"“Care for Community” is part of our Starwood Cares culture at Sheraton Hanoi! I believe this initiative is meaningful and will create a sustainable impact to those children. We all can grow throughout this program."
Nguyen Thi Thuy Anh
YCI graduate Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, Vietnam
"The programme offers me and those in difficult situations exposure and training in a hotel. From that, I will be able to find a stable job to earn my living. "
Niki Zoli
Director, Social Responsibility and Community Engagement, Marriott International
"Investing in youth and programmes like YCI are really critical to the success of our industry. It's helping to make for stronger communities, and also a great pipeline of talent for our hotels."
Paul Papanicolaou
Former GM, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort, Australia
"To be able to impact someone's life in a positive way is a very rewarding thing to do. They and their families become your friends."
Peter Simson
Cluster General Manager, Hilton Hanoi Opera and Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi, Vietnam
"We fully support the Youth Career Initiative in creating employability for the country’s youth and we are honoured to be a part of this important project in Vietnam."
Phan Thi Anh
YCI graduate, 2010 Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, Vietnam
"I wish that my dream to find a job in the hospitality industry would come true. Therefore, I’ve decided to join this training course and would like to become a receptionist. "
Raed Hasanat
Training Manager, InterContinental Aqaba
"With IHG, there is always room to grow. YCI students are part of our team and enjoy the working culture here, where they can create their own path for personal and professional development."
Rahel Araya
Graduate, 2007 Sheraton Addis, Ethiopia
"We learned how to interact with different types of people in work situations and to adapt to situations and present ourselves better."
Rahul Giri
Student 2012, Four Seasons Mumbai, India
"It’s a lifeline for us. I want to make sure I perform to the best of my ability so that I may be able to secure a job here some day. I am learning more and more about the hotel industry each day."
Raiane de Paula
Graduate 2012, Marriott Airport Sao Paulo, Brazil
"I learned to further develop my professional side, follow rules and cope better with different kinds of people. I have become a better human being in other areas of my life."
Rania Srouji
Human Resources Manager, Le Meridien Amman
"At Le Meridien Amman we target creative minds, people who are looking for better chances and opportunities in their lives, and want hope for better lives. This is why we work with YCI as it targets enthusiastic people who are inspired by the programme."
Ranjeet
YCI Delhi, India graduate
"YCI was an opportunity to explore the hotel industry. Now I have opened up, I am more confident, I can talk a little English now. I want to work in a hotel. There are many kids like me at my village who will get benefit from this if these hotels continue their support further."
Rimal D’Silva
Assistant Director of Human Resources at Four Seasons hotel Mumbai, India
"We fully support the Youth Career Initiative in creating employability for the country's youth and we are honoured to be part of it."
Roeland Vos
Former President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts - Europe, Africa & Middle East
"YCI is an extremely worthwhile programme which provides young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with life and vocational skills to give them better opportunities to thrive. "
Rosa Martha Brown
President of Fundación Infantia, Mexico
"Fundación Infantia is proud to be part of this programme. We tell our youths: now you start your path to success, the sky is the limit. You are the architects of your future."
Rosy D’Souza
YCI Mumbai, India graduate
"I would like to tell all those wishing to enrol for the YCI programme that they must take it seriously and work hard, as this is a wonderful opportunity for them to make a career in the hospitality industry. "
Silvia Novoa
National Director, World Vision Mexico
"The young people of Mexico are the ones who will build a fairer and more secure future for our country. To lead this change, all they need is the opportunity to develop their skills so they can become independent individuals. We believe that YCI helps young people do this, which is why we forged a partnership with YCI in 2015."
Sonu Shivdasani
Chairman and CEO, Soneva
"We are proud to bring the YCI model to the Maldives and offer talented young Maldivians a chance to develop skills in the hospitality sector. We see that several of the students will become valuable hosts with the potential to grow into managerial positions."
Summer Starr
Executive Director of Reality Gives, India
"I was thoroughly impressed with the YCI graduation. Our girls really blossomed in the 6 months they were in the programme."
Tabita Haures
Graduate 2012, JW Marriott Bucharest, Romania
"I have learned technical skills that are related to the hotel business, and how to communicate with the foreign customers. The hotel staff are very receptive and helpful, answering any questions you might have. "
Tigist Adamu
Graduate 2013, Radisson Blu Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
"The training is your springboard to where you want to be in the future."
Tran Thi Kim Dung
SOS Children's Villages Vietnam
"Participating in this programme is one of the very good ways of giving opportunities to our young people, resulting in not only basic knowledge but also professional skills for their future life and career."
Urszula Huber
Human Resources Manager at the Radisson Blu Centrum Hotel, Warsaw, Poland
"While giving training to YCI students our employees have the opportunity to check their capabilities as trainers, mentors and teachers, which is a form of personal development for them."
Yasmin Poonegar
Director of Corporate Communications, Hyatt International
"With its professionally run structure, organised curriculum and reach within the community, YCI is ideally suited to work in partnership with us."
Yazan Shakman
Learning Manager, Grand Hyatt Amman
"YCI gives young people in Amman an opportunity to start their careers in hospitality, with many of them showing how talented they are. The programme is valuable to us, because these young people go on to become success stories in their departments."
Zsuzsanna Kiss
Market Director of Human Resources, Budapest Marriott Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Budapest City Center Hotel, Hungary
"YCI is a great project. We, as Marriott, are keen to help our communities. I am proud that we could be the pilot for Hungary."
BITC Group
