The cooking school project took shape, in collaboration with the MITD and under the curriculum of the Mauritius Qualification Authority and the alternative pedagogy of ANFEN. Step by step, supported by a network of assistance that weaves around the culinary world – kitchen designers, restaurateurs, etc... ANFEN finally established its school on Edith Cavell Street, Port-Louis, in a space rented from La Congrégation du Bon et Perpétuel Secours. The organization undertook renovation work with the assistance of architects and construction professionals.
After a call was made within the ANFEN school network across the island, 40 young people over the age of 16 applied, and a rigorous selection process began, explains Viken Vadeevaloo, Executive Director of ANFEN.
"The 40 registrants were convened to an information session about the industry – the realities, the difficulties, the challenges of this world." 30 responded positively. After the session, 26 said they still wanted to join the school. The latter had to submit a motivational video explaining how they would balance their social life and professional life, and to attend interviews with a recruitment panel made up, among others, of culinary professionals.”
It was important to work with young people who were truly motivated despite the challenges of their respective family lives and living conditions. Candidates were also required to take assessments in mathematics, French, and English. Thus, 14 were retained and this first group joined the school in October 2021.
The difficulty then was finding staff to lead the classes. "In the first year, we did not have a permanent Chef." We therefore focused on the academic aspect and on Lifeskills courses, which are important for these young people coming from difficult backgrounds. Since the end of 2022, we have Chef Kishore Andhin, who has 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry.”
Since the arrival of the Chef, the classes have become more regular and the students are prepared for the National Certificate 3 exams in Food Services and Production, with internships at hotels and restaurants. There have also been several cooking workshops at the school led by volunteering chefs.
ANFEN is currently looking for a Pastry Chef to start the Pastry section. He would be employed five times a week with possibilities for overtime to run courses open to the public so as to generate income from the space and to find additional working capital for the school.
Contact ANFEN: 465 1484