Building Hope Together
As the DERTOUR Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to Smiling Gecko, a Swiss aid organisation which aims to support rural development in Cambodia.
Empowering Local Communities Through Skill Development
The Smiling Gecko project has positively impacted the lives of socially disadvantaged Cambodians. A Swiss social entrepreneur, artist, and photographer, Hannes Schmid founded this aid project to help those living in impoverished conditions near Phnom Penh. Over a 150-hectare site, the project employs a holistic approach to uplift the community and provide opportunities and resources.
Hannes’ commitment began after a distressing encounter in Cambodia, where he witnessed the consequences of a father’s abuse towards his daughter, leading him to take action and establish the Smiling Gecko project. His vision is to empower thousands of individuals to lift themselves out of poverty and ultimately achieve sustainable and self-sufficient communities.
The DERTOUR Foundation has been supporting the Smiling Gecko Farmhouse Resort & Spa since 2019. As part of this project, the Foundation has been facilitating the training of skilled workers, enabling young locals from disadvantaged backgrounds to receive comprehensive training in service, kitchen housekeeping, and tourism with the goal to empower them to become self-sufficient and lead self-determined lives.
Since 2020, DERTOUR tour operators have included visits to selected projects like Smiling Gecko as part of their itineraries. This unique opportunity allows tourists to witness the project’s impact first-hand, creating memorable experiences while also raising awareness about the pressing issues faced by the holiday destinations.
Amidst the stories of resilience, one narrative stands out—the remarkable journey of Mariya Un Noun, now the head chef at Smiling Gecko Farmhouse.
Interview with Mariya Un Noun: From Adversity to Culinary Excellence
Mariya’s early life mirrored the struggles of many girls in Cambodia. Sold as a maid at the tender age of twelve, she escaped a dangerous situation only to find herself toiling in a clothing factory and eventually trapped in an unfortunate marriage. However, Smiling Gecko became her sanctuary—a place where her life took a transformative turn.
“I discovered my love for cooking at Smiling Gecko,” Mariya shares with pride. “It was a passion I never knew existed within me.” Her culinary talents drew the attention of the CEO of the Hotel Management School in Lucerne during a visit, leading to a life-changing opportunity to study in Switzerland and collaborate with Michelin-star chefs.
Mariya’s approach to training at Smiling Gecko is both unique and inspiring. Faced with language barriers, she turns to visuals as a universal language, likening her role to guiding a child through the intricacies of the kitchen. “Education is about understanding people, not just skills,” she emphasizes.
Looking to the future, Mariya dreams of promoting Cambodian cuisine globally. “Cambodian cuisine deserves recognition,” she declares. “We’re working on fine dining, and my goal is to be a top restaurateur in Asia.” Her ambition extends beyond personal achievement, emphasizing the importance of her dedicated team.
“From a humble background to achieving fine dining, we’ve come a long way. Shaping Cambodian cuisine and making it better is our collective achievement. The support from DERTOUR Foundation has been a game-changer, providing opportunities that extend far beyond the kitchen. Together, we’re crafting a legacy for Cambodian cuisine.”