Inge De Lathauwer first set foot on Sumba in 2013 and was overwhelmed by the natural beauty and authenticity of the island, but also saddened by the poor living conditions of the locals. With its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, Sumba was on the verge of a tourism boom that could bring an influx of essential jobs.

While this was an exciting prospect, many young people on Sumba did not have access to the relevant training required for such positions. Thus, the seeds were sown for Inge’s hospitality school and foundation, which has since grown into a beautiful reality.

 

Visit Sumba Hospitality Foundation

 

 

7+

Years of Existence

72

Students Selected Yearly

410+

School Alumni

10,200+

hours of teacher facilitated training

50+

full-time employees

95%

Pos-Graduation Employment Rate

 

Get to know the Project

Since its opening in 2016, the Sumba Hospitality Foundation (SHF) has yearly offered 72 Sumbanese youth from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds vocational hospitality training.

The program includes full-board accommodation, medical care, 2-week cross-training at NIHI Sumba, internships and all associated transportation and living costs. In addition to high-quality hospitality and English classes from industry experts, students receive practical training in one of the Foundation’s social projects: Maringi, a small resort with 5-star service, and Makan Dulu, a unique restaurant specializing in Indonesian cuisine.

We are delighted that Nihi Sumba has welcomed our students as employees from the very beginning and you well surely encounter many alumni during your stay here.

 

Responsible tourism in action

Responsible tourism has been at the heart of the Foundation from the very beginning.

Our buildings were designed with sustainability in mind, constructed mainly from bamboo, powered by our 288 solar panels and 80% of our waste water reused for irrigation purposes. What was once a dry landscape with only one tree is now rich with life.

The 3-hectare permaculture garden thrives with fruit, vegetables and medicinal herbs, which the students turn into delicious meals served in the bar and restaurant.

Sustainability is also at the heart of our vocational training program, which trains the next generation to become responsible representatives of tourism.

 

Bring us a visit to experience it for yourself

We are more than happy to show you around. Located just 20 minutes from Tambolaka Airport, the Foundation is the perfect place to end your visit to Sumba in a meaningful way.

Our students will give you an interactive tour of the campus, after which you can enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by them at Maringi restaurant.

Cutting it short with time? Try Indonesian food with a Sumbanese twist at our training restaurant Makan Dulu, just a 5-minute drive from the airport.

We are sure that their heart-warming welcome will make a lasting impact on you.

Sponsor a student, change a life

At SHF, dreams come true and your donations make that possible. You can sponsor a student throughout their life- changing journey by donating $5000. This covers all the expenses for school supplies, medical care, full-board accommodation and a 6-month internship. The impact of a single donation lasts a lifetime.

Want to be part of our students’ journey? Visit our website or get in touch through [email protected]