Empowering the Next Generation: Welcoming Smile School Students to Hanchey Bamboo Resort
At Hanchey Bamboo Resort, our commitment to sustainability goes far beyond our eco-friendly bamboo architecture—it is deeply rooted in our community. This July, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome six bright, talented students from the Smile School to our property for an immersive, hands-on hospitality training program.
Our new trainees include three young men and three young women, each bringing unique energy and a passion to learn. To give them a well-rounded understanding of resort operations, they have been placed across various departments based on their interests:
Head chef: Tau Koun shows students how to cook spaghetti
In the Kitchen: Two of our male students have jumped straight into the heart of our culinary team, learning the art of preparing flavorful, locally sourced dishes.
In the Restaurant: One male and two female students have joined our service team, mastering front-of-house hospitality and the craft of drink-making.
In Housekeeping: One female student is working closely with our housekeeping team, learning the high standards of care and detail required to maintain our serene guest eco-lodges.
Learning by Doing: Theory Meets Practice
Throughout the month, these students aren't just reading from a textbook; they are diving deep into both hospitality theory and real-world, hands-on practice. From perfecting espresso brewing metrics and shaking up refreshing signature drinks behind the bar to mastering kitchen prep and flavor balancing, they are gaining skills that will pave the way for their future careers.
Our previous student taught new generation how to make smoothies
What makes this program truly special, however, is how they learn.
At Hanchey, we proudly practice a peer-to-peer mentorship model: the older generation training the younger generation. Many of our full-time staff members and team leaders were once vocational students themselves in previous years. Today, they have stepped into the role of trainers, passing down their knowledge, confidence, and passion to this new generation. Seeing our former students guide these six newcomers with patience and pride is a beautiful reflection of the sustainable, supportive community we strive to build every day.
The GM: Mr. Daro shows student how to measure amount of ground coffee to make espresso
Be a Part of Their Journey
When you choose to stay at Hanchey Bamboo Resort, your visit becomes part of a meaningful story. Every meal served, every drink poured, and every warm smile you encounter at our resort is a step forward for these incredible students building their futures.
Phal Chher: Our new student practice making drinks
Ready to experience the warmth of true Cambodian hospitality? Book your stay with us today and wake up to breathtaking river views, peaceful bamboo surroundings, and the joy of knowing your travels directly support youth education and community empowerment. Come share a smile with our team—we can't wait to welcome you!
