Rosewood Hotel Group signed an agreement with Room to Read, a global organization that focuses on adding and expanding literacy and gender equality in the education programs of low-income countries, pledging the support of its 55 hotels in 18 countries, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
To launch the partnership, Rosewood will provide funds to enable 100 young women to continue their secondary school education in Siem Reap, Cambodia, as part of Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program. The Girls’ Education Program reinforces girls’ commitment to their education, works with them to develop essential life skills and increases support for girls’ education among others.
Rosewood Hotel Group will also implement group-wide initiatives to support Room to Read programs, to include fundraising efforts, in-kind donations, seasonal initiatives, on-the-ground practical assistance and encouragement to Rosewood friends, families, guests and business partners to join the cause.
Founded in 2000, Room to Read’s innovative model focuses on transformation within schools during two critical time periods in a child’s schooling. The early primary school for literacy acquisition helps children to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading while the Girls’ Education Program ensures girls can complete secondary school with the skills necessary to negotiate key life decisions.
“People are the heart of the hospitality business, but it’s not just about our guests, hotel associates and stakeholders,” says Sonia Cheng, CEO, Rosewood Hotel Group. “By supporting Room to Read, we are striving to provide children with a better future through education. We are committed to nurturing the next generation so they can realize their full potential and become a positive force [in the world].”
“The education of children, particularly girls, is one of the most powerful and effective ways to address global poverty,” says John Wood, founder of Room to Read. “Rosewood’s enthusiastic and ongoing support will contribute to our goal of impacting 15 million children through education by 2020.”
