Ascott, CapitaLand Hope Foundation partner Save the Children to help beneficiaries in Thailand, UK
[SINGAPORE] Ascott, the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), and CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF) on Saturday (May 19) announced that they have partnered non-profit organisation Save the Children for a S$400,000 initiative to help about 160 children and youths with disabilities in Thailand and the UK.
Through two programmes, the donation will support the overseas beneficiaries in obtaining more social, educational and economic opportunities.
The initiative is funded by CHF – the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand Group – under its CapitaLand AccessAble Programme, which aims to support persons with disabilities by enhancing their independent living skills and fostering social engagement.
Tan Seng Chai, executive director of CHF and senior adviser at CLI, said: 'The collaboration between Ascott and Save the Children also creates meaningful opportunities for Ascott staff to contribute directly, from identifying accessibility barriers to co-developing practical solutions.'
In Thailand, Ascott and Save the Children will develop a tailored skills curriculum for 60 visually impaired youths. It focuses on workplace readiness, teaching skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
At the end of the programme, around half of the beneficiaries are expected to secure employment with Dots Coffee, a social enterprise operated entirely by individuals with visual impairment. The rest will continue to receive job placement support.
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Guillaume Rachou, executive director of Save the Children Thailand, said: 'This initiative is not just about preparing youth for jobs; it is about changing perceptions and creating a more inclusive society.'
Meanwhile, in the UK, the funds will go towards the Sheffield Community Bus Project, which caters to around 100 children with special educational needs and disabilities as well as their families, who live below the poverty line. The project features a bus that delivers workshops and essential services, enabling the children to access social and educational opportunities in their communities.
The S$400,000 initiative was announced at a special concert held in Bangkok, in celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, which was observed two days prior. The concert featured orchestral and mime performances by artists with disabilities.
Ascott's partnership with Save the Children expands the business unit's efforts to enhance disability inclusion under the Ascott Cares sustainability framework.
Beh Siew Kim, who is chief financial and sustainability officer of lodging at CLI, Ascott managing director for Japan and Korea, and board director of CHF, said: 'This initiative also complements our broader collaboration with SG Enable – Singapore's focal agency for disability and inclusion – to enhance disability inclusion across physical spaces, programmes, hiring, digital platforms and training.'
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