A hotel in the Philippines opens OJT program for people with special needs

A hotel in Davao City, Philippines is pushing for inclusivity in the work sector by opening an OJT program for children with Down syndrome.

GreenWindows Dormitel

Housekeeping training Source: GreenWindows Dormitel

GreenWindows Dormitel in Davao City has gone viral over the week for opening an OJT program for children with Down syndrome. 

Pio Sto. Domingo, hotel spokesperson said the hotel has partnered with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Davao branch to find eligible candidates for the OJT.

"Since the association has a lot of members with children with Down syndrome that are already fit to work and are of age for employment, they conducted the screening process for us and they have recommended 7 OJTs that would take part in the program."
7 children with Down syndrome underwent an OJT training in a Davao hotel
Source: GreenWindows Dormitel
The organisation is pushing for inclusivity for people with special needs in the work sector.

"We want our guests to know that we accommodate and accept anybody, we are very inclusive when it comes to our workplace and it's about time for Dabawenyos or Filipinos for that matter to be able to accept the abilities that these children have in employment."

While this is the first-ever OJT program in the Philippines for people with special needs, Sto. Domingo hopes that through the campaign, the social stigma on Down syndrome will soon be eradicated.

"There might be guests in Mindanao that are too conscious of showing their child in public. I thought it would be nice to be able to show those parents that if your child has Down syndrome you don't need to be shy about it. At this day and age more people are educated with Down syndrome."
On-the-Job trainee
Source: GreenWindows Dormitel
According to Sto. Domingo each student who underwent a 10-day training in housekeeping and front desk reception showed a great amount of enthusiasm while doing the work with all the other hotel staff.

"When the OJT started it was smooth they were enjoying the idea of having work, or the idea of getting up in the morning and going to work and a little bit proud of themselves that hey, I have work just like any other person around. It was really heartwarming for our staff. It didn't take time to adjust with the children."
fronthouse reception training
Source: GreenWindows Dormitel
After the unexpected media attention, the organisation is planning to expand the program and open opportunities to the deaf and mute sector.

"We didn't expect it to blow up in social media we just wanted to share this one of a kind opportunity the children underwent," says Sto. Domingo.

The post has garnered more than 12k reactions and 11k shares on social media.

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3 min read

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By Claudette Centeno-Calixto

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A hotel in the Philippines opens OJT program for people with special needs | SBS Filipino