The School

The Pimali Hospitality Training Center, founded in 2013, provides practical hospitality training to underprivileged youth and orphans from the Nong Khai region in Thailand. With a strong focus on “learning by doing,” students aged 15 and above who have completed compulsory schooling can enroll in vocational programs in cooking (11 months), service (11 months), or housekeeping (6 months), followed by a six-month internship in a hotel. Located in one of the poorest regions of Thailand, where professional opportunities—especially for young women—are scarce, Pimali equips its students with the skills needed to enter the job market and gain financial independence. The center plays a vital role in combating youth exploitation and poverty. Impressively, 82% of graduates are hired after their internship. By offering real, hands-on experience and long-term support, Pimali is creating life-changing opportunities for Thailand’s most vulnerable youth.

Partner : Fondation Pimali

The Pimali Foundation was created following Stéphanie des Arts-Loup’s experience in an orphanage in northeastern Thailand, where she witnessed the limited opportunities faced by disadvantaged youth after completing their compulsory education. Determined to make a difference, she launched the Pimali project to offer these young people a path toward a dignified, independent future. The foundation works to combat exploitation and poverty by supporting access to professional training in the hospitality sector. The name "Pimali" comes from the Thai words "Pi" (elder, respectful title) and "Mali" (jasmine flower), a nickname given to Stéphanie during her time in Thailand. Through its mission, the foundation promotes empowerment, responsibility, and long-term impact, encouraging graduates to return and mentor future students.

EHLsmile's involvement 

EHLsmile supported the Pimali Foundation by helping to develop a one-year training program focused on kitchen, service, and housekeeping. The collaboration aimed to structure a practical and accessible curriculum tailored to the needs of the local context. Volunteers worked closely with the Pimali team to ensure the program could be sustainably implemented and provide students with the essential skills for a career in hospitality.