TUI Care Foundation

Located in the Netherlands, TUI Care Foundation was founded by TUI, the global market leader in tourism.

Tackling youth unemployment together in the Dominican Republic

For many, the Dominican Republic – with its white beaches and wonderful climate – is the ideal Caribbean holiday destination. However, the island also has a very different side. Many Dominicans live in poverty. Youth unemployment is high, and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation. But many hotels and resorts are looking for skilled and motivated employees.

To give vulnerable young people in the Dominican Republic the opportunity to build a career in tourism, Plan International and TUI Care Foundation established the TUI Academy, in collaboration with Blue Diamond Resorts. In addition to vocational training, the students are coached in personal development, basic financial knowledge and sexual education, developing self-awareness and strength of personality. The project helps young people to protect themselves against exploitation and make conscious decisions about their future. At the same time, it creates a new pool of qualified and highly motivated potential employees for resorts.

Goal

The TUI Academy aims to promote the social, economic and personal empowerment of adolescents and youth at risk of Commercial Sexual Exploitation. The project will do so by building their vocational skills; their knowledge on Commercial Sexual Exploitation, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and gender; and by providing decent work opportunities in tourism. The goal of the project is that 150 adolescents or youth, aged 18-25, at risk of Commercial Sexual Exploitation – of which at least 70% female – in 3 communities in Punta Cana are socially and economically empowered, able to protect themselves from Commercial Sexual Exploitation and have opportunities for decent work.