FAB Hotel School

As Nepal’s tourism industry rapidly grows, with a steady increase in international visitors coming to experience the landscapes, culture, and vibrant traditions of the Himalayas, so too does the demand for skilled workers in the hospitality sector. This demand is hugely challenged by the 1,500 estimated young people that leave the country every day in search of better job prospects, leaving a significant shortage of domestic skilled workers.

Founded in 2017 by Right4Children and backed by the renowned Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education (GATE) Vocational, FAB School sets out to not only mitigate these challenges, but offer invaluable opportunities for disadvantaged youths, particularly those forcefully pushed away from formal education. By coupling education with employment, this vocational project aims to retain and sustain the young people of Nepal to ensure their prosperity.

As intended with all of our projects, FAB School offers a holistic approach to education. From short courses in culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping, it offers students a unique opportunity to learn in a real-world environment from experts in the hospitality sector. Practical training is paired with the philosophy that mistakes are not failures, but learning opportunities, creating a safe environment for students to develop their confidence. The students are also taught basic English, computer proficiency, and are encouraged to connect with their surroundings, spending time outdoors to appreciate a full-cycle field-to-fork and waste management system.

FAB School not only offers training but also endeavours to secure safe and respectable, government-aligned employment opportunities for its students. Working in tandem with Kathmandu University, FAB School graduates are linked with hotels and other establishments under a one-to-two-year apprenticeship scheme as an essential starting platform for their careers. This year 134 beneficiaries received specialized training in various fields, including Food & Beverage Service and Production, Housekeeping, Front Office, Bakery, and Laundry. Notably, 50 of these trainees were girls who excelled in Barista Services, Bakery and Housekeeping courses.

At the heart of the “teaching hotel” stands Bibek Poudel, an inspirational man who worked his way up in the hospitality industry and now strives to bring his vision for the FAB School to life. Together with Bibek, we have built a genuine and functional hotel business model. We are looking to expand the impact of the school by developing micro-enterprises in areas like accommodation, laundry-services, cheese and essential oil production, and a bakery to ensure the school’s growth and sustainability. These initiatives will not only bring in guests to offer hands-on training and a chance for the students to explore creative business ventures but also generate revenue for the school which in turn generates scholarship funds and the further training of underprivileged youths.

The future of FAB School holds immense potential to provide security for vulnerable youths, shape the next generation of hospitality professionals in Nepal, and stand as an example for future development within the industry.