Brewing success one cup at a time

TWO men have set out to empower disadvantaged youngsters in a unique way. Darryl Hoffman, a local businessman and manager of the Hello Café (operating out of the Harvest Church) in Somerset Park and Josh Bassett from local NGO Lily of The Valley, both had a vision of building a programme that adopts a wholesome approach towards improving the lives of disadvantaged children by combining professional barista training and life skills training.

“Josh and I roomed together a while back but we’ve always had a collective dream of doing something along these lines. My vision was for the café to have a positive impact on the community and use the training programme to uplift children as well as give them a set of skills.

“We are offering a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of being a more successful, productive person within a Christian environment. There is a niche in the coffee industry, which is constantly growing and there is always demand for professional local baristas who are well trained and motivated,” Hoffman explained.

So far two boys have joined the programme and have participated in a two-day course run at Colombo Coffee & Tea.

Once the course is completed the boys will be given a certificate by the South African Coffee Association (SACA). Josh Basset, who is from the Lilly of The Valley said the partnership with Hoffman was an opportunity for the children to develop a set of life skills they wouldn’t necessarily be exposed to.

“Both me and Darryl were in the same headspace over the idea. I see this programme as a vehicle for change. The boys that choose to participate can eventually pursue other careers in the catering world. We’ve recognised that skill based careers are an alternative to vocational skills. It’s been an eye opener for the boys and they have thoroughly enjoyed it which means so much to all of us,” Basset enthused.