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Hospitality 101

Posted by on August 8th, 2012

Students practicing their English

It’s my last opportunity to visit the English classes before I have to leave Bangladesh. I feel both sad and excited when Angela, Yohana, and I arrive at the Union Council building where the classes are held.  It will be the last time that I will see these students, and I’m disappointed that I won’t be around to see them finish their training. But today is also exciting because I know there is something special in store for the students.

Today’s lesson will be taught by Yohana Tsegai, the hotel intern. Angela, the instructor from the U.S., usually teaches the class but will have an assisting role this time. It’s the first time where the roles are reversed for Yohana and Angela.  I’m just as curious and interested as the students to see what the lesson will be like. Read the rest of this entry »

Categories: Community Outreach, Education, Interns, Internships, News, Responsible Hospitality, Social Responsibility | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Comments: Be the first to comment..

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It’s Time for English Class!

Posted by on July 30th, 2012

Angela teaching a class on timeAt the Union Council building, it isn’t difficult to find where the English class is. Out in the courtyard, I only had to follow where the loud, excited voices were coming from. Not to mention that the groups of children and adults peering into one of the rooms was a good giveaway that there was something interesting going on inside or perhaps that a foreigner was present—or maybe both!

Last month, Panigram Resort started its English classes to increase the language skills of those interested in becoming a Panigram employee.  All of these students are currently from the surrounding villages near the resort. They come to class eager to participate and learn. In fact, students usually rush to answer the questions if not shout them out. It’s probably every teacher’s dream to have such eager students. Read the rest of this entry »

Categories: Community Outreach, Education, News, Responsible Hospitality, Social Responsibility | Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments: Be the first to comment..

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First Impressions: Assessing the Local English Abilities

Posted by on June 30th, 2012

Students taking the English Assessment Test at site

Angela Jacobus and Yohana Tsegai walk around the temporary entrance area of the Panigram site preparing for their first meeting with their students.  Dozens of potential Panigram staff are here to take an English assessment test. The testing area doesn’t seem like the typical place where one would take an exam. It’s a sandy, open-air area shaded with lush tropical trees. It’s also perfectly located to catch the cool breeze. The day is beautiful and I can’t help but associate this spot with visions of  hammocks and piña coladas. Read the rest of this entry »

Categories: Community Outreach, Education, News, Responsible Hospitality, Social Responsibility | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Comments: 1

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A Vision for the Handicraft Village

Posted by on June 26th, 2012

Villagers displaying their Nakshi Katha embroidery work

There’s a large group of villagers crowding around. It seems like the whole community has come out to witness me take pictures.  I’m assisting Andrew (Andy) Pike, the Social Entrepreneur Intern from Cornell University to document the women with their handicraft. As I’m photographing each person with her handiwork, I hear a cheerful “Khub bhalo!” repeatedly behind me. It’s coming from Andy who’s inspecting the women’s embroidery work.  I can’t help but chuckle because it’s one of the few Bangla phrases that we interns know. “Khub bhalo” means “very good” and it also happens to be one of Andy’s favorite phrases.  In fact, he and the other intern, Shu, love to say it in reply to any statement or question that’s said to them. But this time, the phrase is used in the right context. Read the rest of this entry »

Categories: Community Outreach, Education, Interns, News, Responsible Hospitality, Social Responsibility, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments: Be the first to comment..

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Women At Work

Posted by on June 21st, 2012

 

Female workers helping to finish the Panigram bridge

During my visits to the site, it never fails to amaze me how many female workers are working alongside the men (30% of our workers are women).  Not only is it rare to see women at a construction site in general, yet here at Panigram, it’s nothing out of the ordinary.  The women help with digging, transporting materials, and backfilling among other duties.  It’s tough work but they’re getting the job done!

 

Categories: Construction, Social Responsibility | Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments: 1

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Making It Happen

Posted by on June 21st, 2012

Workers preparing the thatch roof

With construction well on its way, the resort is taking shape. It’s an exciting time to see how the plans and designs on paper are now transformed into physical buildings. The foundations have been poured and structural elements are in place. We’re also experimenting on finishes and materials on prototype buildings to enhance the feel of the resort. It takes time, but it’s a process that we know will achieve amazing results. There are over 200 workers from the local area working to make this resort a retreat in paradise. For more photos, visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/panigram.

Categories: Construction, Resort Design, Sustainable Design | Tags: , , , , , , | Comments: 2

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Panigram Resort Welcomes Angela!

Posted by on June 9th, 2012

Angela Jacobus

Angela Jacobus is an adventurous, fun-loving English teacher from the United States. She will spend a year with us developing an English training curriculum, teaching the local villagers English, and helping to equip the staff with the skills they need to provide five-star service to our guests.

Angela Jacobus

Hello! My name is Angela Jacobus. As I write this, it’s still my first week in Bangladesh. In my short time here, I’ve already been surprised and charmed and delighted more times than I can count. The people here are so welcoming and friendly!

When people ask me where I’m from, I have a hard time answering the question because I’ve lived in many places throughout my life: Texas, California, New Mexico, Alabama, Japan, Hawaii, Utah, Mexico, Oregon, South Korea. It’s impossible to narrow it down to one location, but when I’m back in the States, I call California home. In my previous life (as I like to call it), I spent many years working as an editor in the corporate world. I also spent a few years in the hospitality industry as the office manager of a boutique hotel – and as a snowboard instructor – in the Sierras. Now, I’m a CELTA-certified English teacher with a strong desire to travel and experience different cultures while also having a positive impact on the people and places I encounter. That’s what drew me to Panigram.

The upcoming year will undoubtedly be filled with numerous challenges, but I’m so excited to work with the local villagers and see their English skills develop and evolve into the conversations they’ll have with Panigram’s guests in the future.

Categories: Community Outreach, Education, Job Opportunities, News, Responsible Hospitality, Social Responsibility | Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments: 1