Jointly hosted by Rosewood Hong Kong and LoveXpress, the BluUp Upskilling Programme Graduation Luncheon was held today at BluHouse, an Italian restaurant located in Rosewood Hong Kong known for its commitment to “business with purpose”. The event commemorated the successful completion of the inaugural BluUp Upskilling Programme, a meaningful initiative designed to empower Special Educational Needs (SEN) youths with essential skills to pursue career opportunities within the hospitality industry.

The luncheon served as a heartwarming graduation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the first cohort of six students who gained valuable work experience at BluHouse over the past five months. Guests enjoyed a delightful dining experience personally served by the graduates, showcasing the positive impacts of the programme firsthand. The event was attended by several esteemed guests, including Mr. Hugo Montanari, Managing Director of Rosewood Hong Kong, and Ms. Ada Ng, Director of Social Impact, Rosewood Hong Kong, both of whom played pivotal roles in establishing the BluUp Programme. Notably, Ms. Grace Chan, co-founder of The Edible Projects (T.E.P), also attended and shared in the festivities of the graduates' accomplishments.

"BluHouse embodies our dedication to positive social and environmental impact. At Rosewood Hong Kong, we believe in empowerment, equal opportunity, and celebrating the strengths of every individual to foster a more inclusive society," said Mr. Hugo Montanari, Managing Director of Rosewood Hong Kong. "Our collaboration with LoveXpress to create the BluUp Upskilling Programme is an exciting endeavor. It not only offers these students valuable career experience and support but also opens doors for future career prospects."

Guided by its "business with purpose" vision, BluHouse is deeply committed to ensuring equal access to opportunities for all members of the community. This includes empowering single mothers, refugees, individuals with disabilities, and ethnic minorities. The restaurant demonstrates its commitment by pledging 1% of its revenue to support underserved groups within the hotel's neighbourhood, earning Rosewood Hong Kong the distinction of being one of six Rosewood Trailblazer properties within the Rosewood Hotel Group. These Trailblazers represent the Group's most socially and environmentally progressive properties, leading the change towards a mutually enriching future for people and place, and setting new standards for the hospitality industry.

Building upon the mission of BluHouse, BluUp is an innovative initiative that offers LoveXpress SEN youths a comprehensive five-month training programme. Under the guidance of  BluHouse mentors, they are equipped with necessary skills for their personal and professional development. Individuals who excel during the programme also have the potential to secure full-time positions at BluHouse after graduation.

Ms. Kitty Poon, Founder of LoveXpress, said, “Rosewood Hong Kong has worked closely with our team to build the programme, including hotel discovery, hygiene and food safety training, vocational training, establishment of a buddy system, coaching and feedback session. This has ensured a supportive environment for these remarkable youths. It has been immensely fulfilling to witness their growth under the guidance of their BluHouse buddies. This project serves as a shining example of how SEN youths can flourish."

As part of the programme, a dedicated ‘buddy’ or mentor is assigned to each student, accompanying and training them throughout their journey. Elizabeth Chan, one of the programme’s graduates, expressed her appreciation, stating, "From day one, the BluHouse associates made us feel incredibly welcome. They organised an ice-breaking session so our mentors could get to know us better. I had the privilege of being trained by a BluHouse barista, and I am grateful for the trust and opportunities they provided me with."

Ms. Kitty Poon added, "The opportunity to collaborate with Rosewood Hong Kong has been truly invaluable for LoveXpress. Not only does it allow us to support capable youths in unlocking their unique talents and securing career opportunities, but it also inspires influential partners who share our commitment to providing equal access for our SEN youths.”

The BluUp Programme will welcome its second cohort of students in late June, continuing the joint mission of Rosewood Hong Kong and LoveXpress to empower SEN youths with opportunities for a brighter, more inclusive future.

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