What is the Sumba Hospitality Foundation?
Welcome to the Sumba Hospitality Foundation (SHF), a unique initiative committed to providing high-quality vocational hospitality education to the youth of Sumba. Since 2016, SHF has been opening doors for Sumbanese young adults, making vocational training in hospitality accessible and impactful. It’s not just about education—it’s about empowering local youth to dream big and break the cycle of poverty through hands-on learning and real work experience. The foundation runs a vocational hospitality school enrolling around 70 students annually, alongside its own training hotel, Maringi Sumba, and the Makan Dulu restaurant, where students put their skills to the test in a real-world setting.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot of what SHF achieves:
- Since 2016, 72 students start an 18-month vocational training program each year.
- Students specialize in Culinary, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Spa, or Housekeeping departments.
- Training combines intensive tuition with English lessons, life skills, and sustainability education.
- Hands-on experience at Maringi Sumba hotel and Makan Dulu restaurant, both social projects.
- Graduates either secure 6-month internships in renowned hotels/restaurants or find immediate employment.
- Campus powered by 288 solar panels, emphasizing renewable energy use.
- Buildings constructed from bamboo, a fast-growing, local, and sustainable material.
- 90% of wastewater is reused for irrigation on a 3-hectare organic farm.
Putting Responsible Tourism into Practice
Tourism on Sumba is growing—slowly but surely. And while that’s great news, it’s also a bit of a double-edged sword. If left unchecked, tourism could threaten Sumba’s pristine landscapes and ancient culture. SHF believes responsible tourism is the answer. By training young people in hospitality and involving them in sustainable projects, the foundation ensures tourism benefits local communities without harming the island’s fragile environment. Guests at Maringi Sumba and Makan Dulu get a genuine taste of Sumbanese hospitality, all while supporting a model that protects the island’s future.
Empowering Youth Through Education and Training
Young people are the heartbeat of Sumba’s future. SHF doesn’t just teach hospitality skills—they inspire dreams and build confidence. Each student embarks on a journey that blends classroom learning with real-world experience. Beyond technical skills, students gain English proficiency, life skills, and a deep understanding of sustainability. The training hotel and restaurant serve as living classrooms, where students learn by doing, preparing them for successful careers and a better life. It’s education with a purpose, designed to break poverty cycles and open new doors.
Environmental Sustainability at the Core
SHF’s commitment goes beyond education—it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem. The campus buildings are crafted from bamboo, a renewable, local resource that blends beautifully with the environment. Solar panels provide clean energy, powering the entire campus and hotel. Food waste doesn’t go to landfill; instead, it’s turned into natural fertilizer used on the foundation’s organic farm. Water is precious here, so 90% of wastewater is recycled to irrigate crops. Students actively participate in these processes, learning permaculture principles and organic farming methods that support long-term environmental health.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Empowering youth to break the poverty cycle through education and employment.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Providing accessible, high-quality vocational training.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Utilizing solar power for campus energy needs.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Preparing students for meaningful careers in hospitality.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Promoting responsible tourism that benefits local communities.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Implementing waste recycling and sustainable farming.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Using renewable materials and energy to reduce environmental impact.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Protecting Sumba’s natural landscapes through sustainable practices.
How You Can Support Sumba’s Future
Sumba needs more than just visitors—it needs responsible travelers, volunteers, and supporters who care. The foundation invites people to get involved by volunteering or donating, but most importantly, by visiting Sumba and experiencing its beauty and culture responsibly. Sponsoring a student’s education or internship can change a life. Every bit of support helps empower local youth, protect the environment, and build a sustainable future for this incredible island. So, why not be part of something meaningful? Sumba is waiting.
