The School

The ROKPA Hospitality Vocational Training started in 2018, modelled on the Swiss apprenticeship style of education. Underprivileged youth have access to a high-quality on-the-job professional training at a reduced cost. They follow a one year program, consisting of theoretical and practical lessons, with the practical part taking place in the ROKPA Guest House, Restaurant and Bakery. Courses include Rooms Division (housekeeping and front office), food and beverage service and food production. Students who achieve the required qualification levels receive an officially recognized certificate upon graduation and are supported in their search for a job. 

Partner: ROPKA INTERNATIONAL

ROKPA INTERNATIONAL is an international relief organization, that acts where humanitarian aid is particularly difficult to give, but desperately needed. ROKPA's projects are long-term, sustainable and are based on the principle of "helping people to help themselves". ROKPA’s story began in 1980 with a pilgrimage to Nepal and India. Co-founder Lea Wyler was deeply moved by the immense poverty and countless street children, and ROPKA was therefore created along with co-founders Dr. Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Dr. Veit Wyler. At the beginning, ROKPA’s work concentrated on sponsorships of individual people in need in Nepal, India and later in the Tibetan areas of China. Today, ROKPA runs its own projects in Nepal, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Local teams are responsible and monitor the projects on site. A close collaboration with the local teams facilitates both a fast and efficient response to changing circumstances, and the transfer of donations in a non-bureaucratic way. 

EHLsmile's involvement 

EHLsmile supported the launch of the ROKPA Hospitality Vocational Training by designing a tailored one-year curriculum that equips students with essential skills in culinary arts and hotel operations, helping bridge the gap between education and employment for marginalized youth.