When Evelyn Scarlett heard from the principal of the Free Hill Primary & Infant School that she would participate in a HEART/NSTA training for cooks, she asked her colleague if that would be possible considering how “her head tough”.
Ms Scarlett as she is affectionately called by her fellow Trainees has come a long way since then. Evelyn delivered a powerful tear inducing testimonial at the closing out Ceremony for her cohort at the Marcus Garvey Technical High School recently.
“When I came here, I learned that you are never too old to learn and I felt so proud in the evenings, walking home in my black and white chef’s clothes. I am ready again to take on another training next year, because I feel so proud.”
“I will tell everyone about HEART Trust”.
By her own confession she moved from doubt and worry to striding in confidence through her community. She has also gained some admirers along the way, including her own daughter who now wants to do the programme.
The Programme
The ‘School Cooks Training Programme’ represents a significant investment in strengthening the quality and professionalism of food preparation in schools. It is a partnership between HEART/NSTA Trust, Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information (MoESYI), the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) and UNICEF.
Over an intense 5 week period, the seasoned group of Trainees increased their knowledge in three key areas: Culinary Foundations & Hygiene, Culinary Applications & Food Production and Kitchen Operations, Menu & Stock Control.
The Results
Mrs. Charlene Mohan, HEART/NSTA Trust Regional Director for Region 6 and project lead, applauded the trainees for their commitment and dedication.
“We believe at HEART that skills pay the bills, and because of that, we don’t want you to take this lightly. You are on the trajectory to a higher path that we will be happy to help you on as you make use of the many opportunities at the HEART/NSTA Trust.”
Mrs Charlene Mohan, Regional Director
With a 100 per cent pass rate, all candidates who meet the programme’s completion requirements will receive certification as evidence of their competence. The programme also serves as a valuable stepping stone toward the Job Qualification in Range Cook programme.
That news was received with glee by Dwayne Walker, the lone male in the cohort, who — like Evelyn — had not seen the need for the programme, but persevered with encouragement from his wife and mother.
“As a big man who graduated from HEART in 1999, I didn’t think I had any more time for training, but my wife and mother encouraged me to come. I am so happy I did. I learned a lot, and I am going back to school September morning with a different level of confidence.”
