Harpo’s Cafes & Restaurants, as part of their CSR initiative - Care, Share Connect , had their year end charity project with the Community Concern Center Education program with children who have attended school, achieved grades and shown interest, to assist them to further their studies.

“Education gives kids the skills they need to navigate the world. The ability to read, write, or communicate teaches and create awareness of the world they live in and also the opportunities available. The year end program has been supported by us as education is the key to success in these children’s life- ” Harpo Gooneratne. M.D

154 kids from ages of 8-17 years, were entertained to a morning of entertainment, food, face painting, games and prizes. The event was supported by the teachers . The Education program is twofold by offering these children the opportunity to enhance their studies with extra tuition or to join the basic elementary education program for those who haven’t had the opportunity to enter school.

Harpo’s Cafes & Restaurants, The Bayleaf, Park Street Mews, Commons coffee house, Colombo Fort Café, Curve- Tapas Bar and Harpo’s pizza- Nugegoda and Mt Lavinina conducted “Share with a Child” project for the 12th consecutive year. Harpo’s group has been supporting many charities throughout the year- as part of its CSR initiative, which includes supporting Drama, Theater, arts and music on a continued basis with regular events throughout the year.

Harpo’s school of Hospitality & Tourism Management Galle, is a branch of Harpo’s School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and was pleased to present certificates to the 15th and 16th batch of students who completed the 3 month certificate programs for the periods of July to Oct 2017 and Nov “17 - Jan 2018 respectively.

Total of 12 students who completed their basic level certificate programs in Culinary Arts, Pastry & Bakery, Hotel Operation, Accommodation Operations & Bar Operation received certificates from Harpo Gooneratne MD at a presentation held recently at Harpo’s school of Hospitality & Tourism Management Galle Branch, now in its 6th year of operation.

Harpo’s school of Hospitality & Tourism Management Galle was set up in 2012 and to date has conducted 3-6 month certificate programs on a range of hospitality subjects and all who have passed have already obtained employment in the resort hotels which has a high demand for trained staff in the fast expanding Hotel industry.

The school is managed by energetic and experienced Center Manager Damitha Nalin with expert advice by well known Hotelier and training expert Mr. Asoka Jayawardena.

The current expansion of the hospitality industry has created immense potential for various levels of staff required for operations and Harpo’s Hotel school has been focused on providing grass root level training to introduce students to the trade and offering them the opportunity to continue on their career .

Employment : Industrial Training with employment is offered also at Harpo’s Café’s & Restaurants namely The Bay leaf, The Commons, Park Street Mews and Colombo Fort café’ in Colombo. Damitha Nalin the Center Manager, Galle Branch has been very actively involved in promoting the courses creating much interest among school leavers and others to register for the certificate programs.Registrations are now open for the July intake. All interested are invited to contact Damitha – Center Manager – Mob-0776621592 for more details.Harpos school of Hospitality & Tourism Management .www.harposonline.com

Holcim Lanka, a member of the Lafarge Holcim Group, a global leader in the construction material industry recently partnered with Harpo's School of Hospitality & Tourism to support the development of the communities in which it operates, through intensive Hospitality Training.

The partnership is a result of Holcim's vision to be considered a trusted partner of the development of communities in where it operates. Holcim Lanka has clearly identified a lack of employment and training opportunities in the Puttalam district.

Holcim Lanka conducted an intense one month training plan implemented by Harpo's Hospitality School, for youth from the Korathive area to receive Foundation level training in the areas of Food & Beverage (F&B), Housekeeping, Kitchen & Stewarding and Front Office in April 2016.

Following this, many of the newly skilled males were provided with a six [06] month on-the- job training at Anantaya a five star hotel in Chillaw and other hotels in Kalpitiya Tourist zone "We are privileged to be partnering a global company as part of their CSR project. The positive comments received from the participants, who were from villages in the district was heartwarming. Also their commitment in completing the course was commendable. Providing a launch pad for them to move on with a new career will greatly support the community. We plan to continue the program with Holcim" Harpo Goonerante.MD Asoka Jayawardene- Director of the Hotel school had similar sentiments of the participants and their keenness to learn and also the incredible improvement in them at the conclusion of the program showed scope for continuation of the training program.

Commenting on the initiative, Charlotte Boutboul, CSR Manager of Holcim Lanka, said "... It is through a sustained partnership with Harpo's School of Hospitality & Tourism and the want to continue to develop Sri Lankan communities, that Holcim Lanka is now taking its first step into powering the growth of skill and opportunity in the Hospitality Industry."

This ideally supports the HSHTM vision to give its students the education which offers them the opportunity to be employed in the hotel industry, which is in great need of qualified staff. HSHTM Certificate presentation was held at the Holcim Lanka Premises in Puttalam and was attended by Charlotte Boutboul CSR Manager, Asoka Jayawardene - Director HSHTM, Tissa Nanayakkara- Head of HR Holcim and NAITA regional rep.