Nineteen-year-old Eugenia Wyngaardt has earned her stripes and become part of our Erinvale family. After completing four months of in-house training, she is ready to spread her wings in her new role.

Her appointment is a result of our collaboration with the Imibala Trust, a non-profit organisation that is our chosen beneficiary. Imibala’s Learner Advancement programme incorporates two projects aimed at preparing matriculants for the world of work, with a particular focus on the hospitality industry. As part of our collaboration, Imibala sends interns to us for training so that they can gain practical experience and understand the hotel business. But let’s allow Eugenia to tell her story in her own words…

“I am from a small town called Macassar near Somerset West. When I was a 14 and in Grade 9, Imibala visited our school. They wanted to help a group of young people who had big ambitions. After interviewing all the Grade 9s, only a handful of pupils were selected. I was lucky to be among them and we became part of the Imibala Smartlead Programme. Through this programme, what
I learnt at Imibala is that life is not about expecting, hoping and wishing, but it’s about being and becoming. I also learnt that what you believe, you can achieve.

On the 1st of March 2022, I was placed at Erinvale as an intern and became a trainee room attendant in the Rooms Division. From there I went to the front desk as a trainee receptionist and after four months of training, I was appointed to the rooms division and the front desk. I officially started my new career on the 1st of July 2022.

My experience at Erinvale so far has been amazing. I have learnt so much in these few months and my bond with the staff is special. I would like to achieve success at Erinvale and to create a future for myself and my daughter. In five years’ time, I see myself as a successful woman and I may be in hospitality or in law.”

At Erinvale, we are delighted to have Eugenia on board. It has been truly rewarding to watch her grow and become comfortable in the hotel industry. Her positivity is inspiring, and we wish her many happy years with us.