After two years of commitment, the YOUTH project, implemented by EFE-Morocco with the support of the Hilton Global Foundation and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, concludes with measurable and lasting results:
• 3,770 beneficiaries across 11 cities, including 57 percent women
• Training tracks enhanced by e-learning, personalized coaching and virtual reality
• More than 330 young participants already placed in tourism and hospitality companies
The Moroccan Education for Employment Foundation (EFE-Morocco), together with the Hilton Global Foundation and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, celebrated on December 1, 2025 in Rabat the major achievements of the project “YOUTH: Yielding Opportunities and Unleashing Talents in Hospitality”, a structural initiative dedicated to skills development and professional integration in hospitality and tourism.
Deployed since October 2023 across 11 cities in the Kingdom, the project placed inclusion and the empowerment of young women at the center of its mission, with women representing 57 percent of participants.
Speaking at the certificate-awarding ceremony, Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills, stated:
“This project demonstrates that when training aligns with real-world needs, it can open solid prospects for young people. I congratulate all partners for an initiative that has enabled many young people, especially young women, to access qualified opportunities in hospitality and tourism. It is a key contribution to youth inclusion and to the development of a strategic sector for our country’s economy.”
Designed to respond to a rapidly expanding industry, the initiative successfully combined digital learning, personalized support and cutting-edge technology. In addition to essential soft-skills training, the program innovated by integrating virtual reality modules, offering participants an immersive experience to prepare them for real workplace environments.
The practical component was strengthened by several job fairs and major recruitment events held with leading national operators. These platforms allowed thousands of young beneficiaries to apply their training, connect with employers and secure real openings across the sector.
This multidimensional strategy delivered concrete impact: more than 3,770 beneficiaries completed e-learning modules, while 2,100 took part in hands-on career preparation workshops. Notably, over 330 young women and men have already begun their professional journey with top hospitality companies, significantly surpassing the initial program targets.
“With the YOUTH project we demonstrated that combining innovative learning models, strong partnerships and civic commitment can transform the lives of thousands of young people and open pathways toward promising hospitality careers,” said Houda Barakate, General Director of EFE-Morocco. She added:
“I am proud of this strong partnership with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the Hilton Global Foundation. I congratulate our graduates and warmly thank all those who contributed to the success of this project.”
Raouf Ben Chedli, Area General Manager for Morocco and Tunisia at Hilton, added:
“We are proud that this partnership helped so many young people uncover and develop their talent in hospitality. This success reflects our long-term commitment to empowering youth. By expanding such collaborations, we are collectively shaping a stronger future for the sector and for future generations.”
Beyond employability, the YOUTH project also encouraged civic engagement through eight community initiatives. These included the opening of a social nursery in Tangier, beach clean-ups and food distribution campaigns during Ramadan, allowing young participants to take active roles in their communities and strengthen their sense of social responsibility.
This comprehensive vision aligns with the shared mission of the Hilton Global Foundation and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, which support organizations addressing some of today’s most complex challenges. Guided by strong values, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation focuses its work particularly in Africa, South America and the United States, with a special commitment to its home city of Los Angeles.
The Hilton Global Foundation, the main driver of Hilton’s philanthropy, supports the company’s “Travel with Purpose” strategy, which aims to generate positive impact and build lasting value for people, hotels and communities where Hilton operates. Through grants and partnerships, the Foundation funds initiatives dedicated to preserving destinations, strengthening professional development and enhancing community resilience.
Editorial team/le7tv