The Ascott Limited, a lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment, has partnered with CapitaLand Hope Foundation to donate $292,000 (S$400,000) to Save the Children. This initiative aims to empower 160 children and youths with disabilities in Thailand and the United Kingdom by providing them with essential skills and opportunities for social, educational, and economic participation.
In Thailand, the partnership focuses on a life skills programme for 60 visually impaired youths. This initiative equips participants with workplace readiness skills, such as communication and teamwork, with the expectation that half will secure employment with Dots Coffee, a social enterprise run by individuals with visual impairments. The remaining participants will receive ongoing job placement support.
In the UK, the collaboration supports the Sheffield Community Bus Project, which serves approximately 100 children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. The mobile hub delivers workshops and essential services to help children access educational and social opportunities, aiming to reduce barriers to inclusion.
Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer at Ascott, stated, “Disability inclusion is central to our Ascott CARES sustainability framework, and our partnership with Save the Children builds on this commitment.” She emphasised the initiative’s role in empowering children and youths with disabilities to live with dignity.
The partnership was announced at a concert in Bangkok, celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The event featured performances by artists with disabilities and raised funds for local disability organisations. This collaboration reflects Ascott’s broader efforts to enhance disability inclusion across its global operations, with plans to launch a dedicated course for hospitality professionals later in 2025.
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