Celebrating 15 Years of STREETS: A proven model for empowering youth

In 2009, a bold idea took shape in Hoi An: create a world-class hospitality and culinary training program that would empower disadvantaged youth while running a successful social enterprise. Has it been successful? 

Fifteen years on, STREETS International celebrates:

• 450+ youth trained

• 96% employment, largely in hospitality and tourism

• 58% of graduates promoted into managerial or supervisory roles

• 10% graduates start their own business

At the heart of STREETS is a simple yet powerful formula: professional skills, strong individual support, and real-world experience. Graduates from the program are equipped with the tools to achieve futures of self-sufficiency and the dignity that goes with that. Trainees, many of whom are orphaned, out-of-school, or from severely impoverished communities, receive a comprehensive 14-month training program with supervised residence and all living expenses covered. 

“We must be doing something right!” says Founder and Managing Director, Neal Bermas. “It has taken a lot of hard work and collaboration, but we are an award-winning social enterprise and Center of Excellence that is fulfilling its mission of transforming lives - - the lives of the Trainees who enter and graduate, their families, and  entire communities in Vietnam.”

Not only is the STREETS program a proven model for transforming lives in Vietnam – it has become a global example of what’s achievable for social enterprises. To expand its impact, STREETS  marked another major milestone in 2025 – the launch of the STREETS Global Awards. These awards will recognize and celebrate global changemakers in hospitality and tourism, further extending STREETS’ commitment to purpose-driven work beyond Vietnam.

“STREETS has succeeded largely because of many people,” says Neal. “We’ve built something lasting because of the people – our staff, board, supporters, Trainees, and alumni. Everybody has come together in their varying roles and capacities to focus on our mission and being exceptionally good at what we do. We’re all committed and passionate about making a difference. That’s what makes this all work.”

STREETS offers a fully funded, 14-month hospitality and culinary training program that combines in-class education with practical on-the-job apprenticing. Key elements of the curriculum also include extensive English language and Life Skills training.

Located in Hoi An, the STREETS campus features a dedicated Training Center including a teaching kitchen and hospitality lab, Administrative Offices, the Oodles of Noodles and Noodle House enterprises – along with supervised dormitories for Trainees.

In addition to the professional training, every Trainee selected to come to STREETS receives full support for daily living. This includes meals, supervised housing, study materials, uniforms, clothing, a monthly stipend, access to healthcare services, and a strong, encouraging community environment.

Importantly – as a final step in the program – each Trainee undertakes a one-month chef or hospitality service apprenticeship in one of STREETS’ partner hotels or resorts. This completes their 14 months of apprenticing by giving them the opportunity to apply their skills in a real world, 5-star hotel setting. Working alongside experienced chefs, managers, and hospitality teams, they gain hands-on experience while refining their professionalism, teamwork, and guest service – final preparation for embarking on their successful careers in the industry.

Fifteen years on, STREETS continues to deliver impact with its promise to empower: to bring success, self-sufficiency, and dignity to Vietnam’s most vulnerable youth. The model is proof that social enterprises can be both excellent and equitable – where a bowl of iconic noodles is more than a meal; it’s a stepping stone to a brighter future.

Visit us at NOODLE House, open daily: 512 Hai Ba Trung St in Hoi An.