Fundraising campaign
Let's make his Funda happen!
In the summer of 2021 a young, ambitious first year student finds himself in financial need. Without financial support he will have to stop his studies and return to Beirut. He wrote a request for help to our Dean. The Foundation HMSM did not have enough resources at that time to support directly and started a fundraising campaign to help.
With great success: Within three months the amount of € 25.000,- was raised by more than 150 alumni, employees and other members of the hotel school community.
From Beirut (Lebanon) to Maastricht
Student Jean Maroun Bou Malhab (started September 2020) was facing difficult circumstances due to the situation in his home country. At the end of the first academic year his financial reserves were depleted. To be able to start his second year in September, he needed financial support from our HMSM community. With our support he could stay at the HMSM and continue to fulfil his dream: Obtain his Funda and develop himself in our great world of hospitality.
Funda in 2024 for a future in hospitality
The tuition fees for an international student are almost three times as high as those of an European student. Due to the political and economic situation in Lebanon his parents could no longer support him financially, and because of his student visa he can only earn a limited small amount of money. The Teaching Hotel made an exception for him by requesting a work permit. And Zuyd University of Applied Sciences was able to give him a discount on his tuition fee. With the support of more than 150 alumni and employees, the foundation raised € 25,000 for his tuition fees, housing, and basic necessities up until his graduation in September 2024.
His heart for hospitality brought him to the HMSM
In Lebanon there is no adequate bachelor in hotel management. In his search for a suitable study in Europe, Jean Maroun was quickly convinced that HMSM was the right choice for him: 'The beautiful Teaching Hotel on campus, where students are able to gain practical experience, was the decisive factor for me.' After the selection procedure he started the bachelor in September 2020 and with our support he can complete his studies until his graduation.
Donations from our community makes his dream come true
After obtaining his Funda, Jean Maroun wants to start his own business. 'The ultimate ambition for me is to become a business owner upon successfully completing my studies. I am already dreaming of my own chain of restaurants where pastries have a central place.' Jean Maroun is very grateful for the support and involvement he experiences from the entire HMSM community. 'I hope, that someday I will be able to give back to the community of the HMSM that has given so much to me.'
Help us to support future talent
Jean Maroun is the first student who is granted a scholarship. Reaching the needed amount for Jean Maroun's study is for the HMSM another step in creating connections between alumni, students, lecturers and partners of the HMSM from which we can be of significance to others. Jean Maroun is the first student to receive financial support from the Foundation HMSM but certainly not the last to need it.