Streets International Appoints Regional Expert to Oversee SE Asia Program Development

Daragh Halpin, recently appointed Director of Development SE Asia for Streets International, a social enterprise offering disadvantaged youth a culinary education, housing, medical care, training in a casual dining restaurant and job placement.

(PRWEB) July 29, 2008 -- Streets International announced the appointment of Mr. Daragh Halpin as Director of Development for SE Asia. Halpin will be responsible for overseeing the development of STREETS programs throughout the region.

The Streets International initiative is an innovative social enterprise that serves streets kids and disadvantaged youth. Culminating with job placement in the hospitality industry the young adults participate in an 18-month culinary and hospitality training program combined with restaurant operations and accommodations, life skills and English language training.

Site selection has begun for two programs slated to open in 2009. In Vietnam, the rapidly growing Central Province area is targeted, and in the Philippines, several locations are under consideration in Manila.

Born and educated in Ireland, Halpin graduated with a degree in hospitality and business management before immigrating to Australia. In addition to his work with Hilton, Sheraton, and Accor hotels, Halpin has been in Vietnam since 2000 on a major international aid project to develop instructor skills at Hanoi area universities. In 2007, he was selected to become the first professionally employed CEO of KOTO, the highly regarded Hanoi street kids project.

Halpin's new role with Streets will enable him to combine his hospitality, teaching and training background with the practical experience gleaned from managing the KOTO project. "Working with Streets International is an extraordinary opportunity to continue my commitment to the rewarding work of helping street kids on a broader regional and global basis." Halpin will be based in Vietnam.

Streets International, is a not-for-profit, sustainable, social enterprise initiative for street kids and other disadvantaged youth in developing countries throughout the world. Founded in 2007 by hospitality and food industry educators and businesspersons, along with international development experts, as a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Streets International provides the initiative, experience and support necessary to replicate this innovative program with an initial focus in SE Asia.

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