South Rivers Holds Culinary Arts Graduation Exercise

by Collin CA$H Haywood 22.MAR.11

Seventeen students graduated in the field of culinary arts when Zone Two of the Division of Adult and Continuing Education recently held its first graduation ceremony at the South Rivers Learning Resource Centre.{{more}}

The course was facilitated by Monica Andrews who emphasized the benefits to be derived from cookery, especially in the hospitality industry.

The course included the making of flour products like cakes, cookies, pastries, rotis and doughnuts. Cake and meal decoration, table setting, kitchen etiquette and personal hygiene were also covered

Feature Speaker and well known Home Economics Specialist Ruthlyn Alves enlightened the graduating class on innovative projects they can undertake to gain an income while sharpening their skills. She also implored the group not to bury their new-found knowledge and skills gained in the cocoon of their minds, but be willing to share. The Home Economics specialist expressed her wish to see more locally produced Vincentian cuisine replacing the proliferation of imported junk food.

Brief remarks were also presented by the zonal Adult Literacy Co-ordinator Cleopatra Jackson, who encouraged the graduates not to rest on their laurels, but always thirst for new knowledge and skills. She further encouraged them to pursue careers in similar fields like catering and wedding planning.

Certificates of participation were distributed by Director of the Division of Adult and Continuing Education Frances Clarke-Palmer, who encouraged the graduates to use locally based products in order to be self-sufficient. Clarke-Palmer also lauded the programme organisers, with special commendations to Andrews. The facilitator was showered with gifts of appreciation from graduates who showcased their skills with a variety of culinary displays.

The graduation exercise was chaired by long-standing Vinlec employee Vibert Andrews, a resident of the village.