Hilton commemorates service week

These were the wise words of Jan van der Putten, vice-president of international hotel chain Hilton Worldwide, Africa and the Indian Ocean operations.

Van der Putten was speaking in commemoration of the hotel chain’s Global Week of Service in October.

The international hotel chain collaborated with two schools in Alexandra through an on-going mentorship partnership, to conduct initiatives and uplift young people.

Van der Putten explained that the service week was held across Hilton Hotels around the world, all aimed at giving back to the less fortunate.

“We at the Hilton Sandton decided to reach out to the local community and assist them in any way we can because we firmly believe in giving back,” he said.

He added that the decision to work with the two schools, Minerva High School and Carter Primary School, stemmed from wanting to empower the youth as they were the future.

The hotel is involved in various initiatives with each school, assisting them in any way possible.

At Minerva, Hilton Sandton set up a vegetable garden and organised a matric dance for the pupils, and at Carter the classrooms were painted.

“Doing this for the youth also makes our staff members proud to be able to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those from their own community,” he said.

In continuing the mentorship partnership with both schools, Van der Putten said the Sandton Hilton also invited pupils from both schools to the hotel, showing them operations at the establishment.

“We also encourage pupils to enter the sector by offering them learnerships and apprenticeships, showing our commitment to help young people,” he said.