Kuoni is also involved with a newly-established school in the Central Indian province of Bhopal that is an excellent example of how the public and private sectors can work together to provide young people with educational opportunities. The local authorities offer grants to young people from less privileged backgrounds in the surrounding rural areas. Over 200 students have benefited from the scheme in the last two years. After completing their theoretical education, some of the students are given the opportunity to take up a paid traineeship within the Kuoni India organisation, and thereby gain a further useful preparation for their future working lives. The young people involved are all exceptionally keen and committed, and offer telling proof of how ambitious young individuals from poorer families, too, can use their motivation and enthusiasm to build a sound foundation for their future work careers.
“The graduates from our Kuoni Academy are excellently prepared for their future working lives and have very good professional prospects. Indeed, we employ them ourselves time and time again,” says Bernard Martyris, Head of Human Resources at Kuoni India. “Our personnel are our most valuable asset of all,” he continues. “And Kuoni has always attached great value to the development of every individual.” Sanjay Chaudhary, the local Minister of Sport and Youth, is equally pleased. “Our excellent collaboration with the Kuoni Academy is a source of great pride to us,” he explains.