Local Hero

The plight of underprivileged South-East Asian children opened Neal Bermas’ eyes, says SARAH ETCHELLS, so he resolved to help open theirs to a brighter future

During his first visit to South- East Asia, Neal Bermas took an evening stroll through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. What he saw forever changed the way he viewed the world.

“I came across these lovely, sad, desperate kids trying to sell postcards and offering to shine my shoes,” he recalls. “I’d seen some poverty in the United States but not to that level – of unfortunate kids trying to survive on the streets.” The imagery of this experience stayed with Neal and, as he continued his travels and saw even more extreme poverty, he vowed to be more than just a tourist. Eleven years on, Neal has stayed true to his word. A successful consultant in the hospitality industry, he used his knowledge and international contacts to establish STREETS International, a not-for-profit social enterprise that runs hospitality training programmes for street kids and other disadvantaged youth.

The first STREETS training centre and restaurant opened in Hoi An in June, with a class of 16 trainees between the ages of 16 and 22. “We had 80 applicants,” says Neal, “which was a lot considering we were just on the ground.” The intensive 18-month programme includes professional cooking lessons by top chefs, training in hospitality services and management, and English classes. Students are also given the chance to practise their skills at a real-world restaurant. “Our model is fully sustainable,” he explains “It’s designed so that all the revenue from the restaurant goes to support the programme.”

Along with the training, students are given accommodation, food and a monthly allowance. “We’ve done a lot of things, such as giving them all new bicycles for transportation,” says Neal, “not just because we can afford to but because people rise to the level at which they’re treated – whether you’re a street kid or a successful executive.”

At the end of the programme, the students receive an internationally certified credential from the renowned Institute of Culinary Education in New York.

While establishing the charity, Neal has been commuting for the past year between New York and Vietnam. “The travelling can be exhausting,” he admits, “but the passion and excitement about what we are doing has got me through my worst moments.”

To Neal, it’s the little things that make it worthwhile. “I was riding my bicycle to the restaurant on the morning of our opening,” he recalls. “As I turned the corner I could see that the whole front was covered in beautiful flower arrangements. You literally could not get through the front door. It was just gorgeous!” He has since learned that whenever a business opens in Vietnam, people in the community send their best wishes in the form of flowers. “It was remarkable knowing that we’d been accepted by the whole community. You definitely wouldn’t get that reception in New York City.”

STREETS is about to welcome a second cohort of students and there are plans to launch training centres in the Philippines and Laos. STREETS has already been in touch with potential employees. “Finding human resources in the kitchen is a challenge, especially in developing countries,” says Neal “With the level of training we provide, people are already excited about the level of professionals we will be able to supply for them. For these students, their lives really have been turned around in a remarkable way.”

SIX STOCKING FILLERS WITH HEART

For the Drinker – Wine with a Conscience
The Wine of Design project sees icons such as chef Matt Moran and fashion designers Sass and Bide collaborate with winemakers to produce this limited-edition range, with all proceeds from their sale at AU$200/ S$249 going to Make Poverty History. www.wineofdesign.com

For the Jock – UNICEF Adidas Soccer Ball
Buy one of these soccer balls for AU$37/ S$46 to help children around the world to experience the “beautiful game”. www.unicef.com.au

For the Animal Lover – Elephant Dung Paper
Extreme paper product, anyone? This cute stationery makes for a unique gift and proceeds from its sale go to help protect Thailand’s endangered elephants. Prices start from just THB15/S$0.60/ A$0.50. www.elephantdungpaper.com

For the Foodie – Oxfam Cookbook
Recreate the taste and aroma of street food with this AU$40/S$50 cookbook containing 100 recipes from around the world – all adapted for Western kitchens. www.oxfamshop.org.au

For the New Addition to the Family – Quilts from Vietnam
Profits from the sale – from about US$28/S$39/AU$32 – of these gorgeous, handmade quilts support community development programmes in remote villages in Cambodia and Vietnam. www.mekong-quilts.org

For the Greenie – Recycled Bags from the Philippines
These unique and funky bags are made from recycled materials and their sale – at about US$10-90/S$14-125/AU$11- 100 – supports the education and training of unemployed women in Manila. www.trashebolsas.com

Streets Restaurant Café, 17 Le Loi Street, Hoi An. You can travel by train, plane or drive from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.