"I am 23 and I have been in the position of  F&B Manager at l'Héritage, since December 2009.

When I last recruited employees in July 2010, instead of hiring ten-year CVs, I deliberately picked up two newly graduated students from Sala Baï with obvious great potential. I took the risk knowing that a high quality service is required at the Héritage, it requests a huge load of work, it was indeed a real challenge. I do appreciate them, I imposed them to the other staff and succeeded in training them to the level expected here. Am I wrong? Let me just point out that one of them will go up to a higher position in January. From waitress, she will be promoted as a "captain" in the restaurant. That represents a new challenge because she will have to manage others and show at the same time that the newcomers, when good, can overtake them. We practice promotion on merit rather than on seniority. She will have to impose herself but I know she can do it.

That experience shows that what distinguishes Sala Baï students is their motivation. They know it is the chance of their life time for another life.
If I have reached this position at 23, it is because I have also been lucky to meet people that have pulled me up the ladder. For me, to be a manager consists of being an example and of transmitting a skill, a know-how. That's what I am here for."

Baptiste CABARRY - Food and Beverage Manager at
Heritage Suites Hotel

The Green Gecko Project is a home, school and family for 70 children who previously lived and begged on the streets of Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Green Gecko provides security, education, love and opportunities to these children through their formative years and into their adult lives, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
The project also supports the children's families and the broader community through long term health, education and training initiatives.
Thanks to the generous support of our partners at AboutASIA Schools, we are able to offer you this simple, fast and totally secure way of donating to the Green Gecko Project. Not only is it the most efficient way for our US friends to support us, if you are a US taxpayer, your gift is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.
AboutASIA Schools is a registered charity in the US and a great supporter of our project here in Cambodia. Your donation is needed, appreciated and well spent - thank you!
Much Gecko gratitude,

Tania, Rem and all the Gecko Gang