The Pimali Foundation based on the practical training concept of "learning by doing". The foundation aims at providing hands-on hospitality training for the underprivileged youth and orphans in Thailand's impoverished Northeastern region, with the aim of ensuring them a professional future and financial independence. Founded by Stéphanie des Arts-Loup, and her husband Alexandre des Arts, Pimali operates like a learning and training centre with a school, an application restaurant with professional kitchen and a guesthouse and bungalows for guests. We spoke to Stéphanie des Arts-Loup about her fight to empower the youth in Isan.
Why did you choose Thailand and more particularly why Nong Khai?
I am half Thai, half Swiss and since childhood have been familiar with both the country and the culture. I was fortunate to grow up in Switzerland but I always wanted to learn more about Thailand and my own heritage.
I also had a strong desire to dedicate my time to helping young Thai people. In 2009, I left my job in Switzerland and came to Thailand to work as a volunteer in an orphanage. I spent three weeks at the Sarnelli Orphanage -- and this is where everywhere started.
Sarnelli is in Nong Khai -- an area that I had never been to. In Nong Khai and throughout Isan, there are many under-privileged young people and many orphanages are to be found here. I fell in love with the region as it reminds me of my early childhood visits to Thailand -- full of friendly people with a strong sense of traditions and culture. I saw how difficult life was for young people in this area, especially in terms of finding a job after leaving school.
Graduating class of 2018.
Why did you decide to set up this organisation?
After volunteering at Sarnelli, I returned to Switzerland but I could not forgot what I experienced there. I returned often with my husband to learn how we could help more. We were able to raise money from friends and family but I saw the need for a more permanent solution. At Sarnelli, I spoke at length with Father Shea, founder of the orphanage. He expressed grave concern about the career prospects of the children who were in his care. Whilst the orphanage offered them a safe place to live, it did not truly prepare them with the practical skills that would help them find employment.
I dreamt about opening a hospitality training centre that would help young people to find a job and become financially independent. Thailand is a major tourist destination and the hospitality industry requires a lot of manpower in order to continue to grow. Providing young people with practical skills in hospitality seemed to be a perfect fit.
Both my husband and I were fortunate enough to grow up in Switzerland where we received a high level of education. I felt that here was a chance for me to help young people in a country to which I have a very strong, personal bond.
How does Pimali work?
Pimali is a Thai foundation based in Nong Khai. We are a hospitality training centre, offering basic training based on the principle of 'learning by doing'. We offer courses in kitchen and room division and food & beverage service. Each training course lasts from six (room division) to 11 months (kitchen /F&B service) followed by a six-month internship in one of our hotel partners, such as Amari Group of Hotels.
Our goal is to provide the students with practical hospitality skills. Our students come from local orphanages or under privileged families. Upon graduation they are able to find a decent job and become financially independent.
How is Pimail funded?
Each student pays only B500 per month for the training (this commitment fees will be returned to them after finishing both training and internship). Ninety percent of our funding comes from private and corporate donations. We work closely with charitable foundations and hotel companies. Ninety-five percent of the funds come from Switzerland and the balance from Thailand.
Our aim is to develop awareness for Pimali in the Thai market, which will hopefully help us to raise more funds here, as well. Each year, we hold a fund-raising event in Switzerland and this single event normally generates 40% of our annual operational costs.
Why the need to add sustainability to the objectives of Pimali?
We strongly believe that any social project should aim to be self-sufficient. At Pimali we grow our own rice, vegetables and fruits. This helps us to save costs but also builds awareness amongst the students about the benefits of organic food cultivation. We also collect rainwater, which provides enough water for the irrigation of our gardens and rice fields. We also have a small fish farm where the fish are fed with organic waste from the centre's restaurant. We recently installed solar panels and in so doing we have reduced our electricity expenses by 50%.
How can the public support Pimali?
Pimali operates as a hotel and we have four comfortable guest rooms. We have welcomed guests from all over the world to our small paradise. All revenue from our guests represents a contribution to the Pimali Foundation. It is also possible to directly support our Pimali by funding scholarships for individual students.
We also work with a broad range of companies who are active in hospitality. This co-operation may involve funds, equipment or practical training for the students.
Visit www.pimali.org or call 098-102-9578.
