Peninsula Papagayo is proud to launch the ‘Heart of the House’ initiative, a month-long program aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities through hands-on vocational training. Starting September 17, this pilot program, a collaboration between Peninsula Papagayo, Four Seasons, Andaz, and the Special Needs Training Center of Liberia, underscores the resort community’s commitment to fostering workplace inclusivity.
Four students from the Special Needs Training Center—Angel, Janice, Diego, and Dixiana—will join the housekeeping and laundry departments at Four Seasons and Andaz. This structured program will provide practical skills to help prepare them for integration into the broader labor market, offering a meaningful pathway to employment for those facing unique challenges.
“This initiative is more than just a training program,” says Francesca Poddie, Co-COO of Peninsula Papagayo. “It’s about creating a bridge between education and employment for individuals with disabilities. We’re committed to empowering these students while enriching our own understanding of inclusivity and accessibility.”
The ‘Heart of the House’ program has three primary goals: to equip interns with valuable skills, raise awareness among staff, and identify ways to improve workplace accessibility at Peninsula Papagayo.
Interns will work morning shifts three times a week—Monday through Wednesday—with company-provided transportation. Upon completion of the program, each participant will receive a $350 gift card, reinforcing the value of responsibility and purpose through employment.
Preparations for this program have been in progress for weeks. On August 13, teams from Peninsula Papagayo visited the Special Needs Training Center, and on August 20, resort staff underwent pre-training to ensure a supportive environment for the interns. A tour of the resort on September 2 further prepared the students for their new roles.
The ‘Heart of the House’ program is a forward-thinking approach to corporate social responsibility, highlighting the potential of every individual and paving the way for a more inclusive future.