Budding bakers set to rise to the occasion

Budding Bhekuwandle bakers will have a chance to improve their skills when the Seed of Hope (SOH) organisation launches a new programme ‘Bake 4 Profit’ next month.

The programme will be headed up by Sindy Khanyile, who co-ordinates all of SOH’s skills development programmes, and facilitator Buli Cele, who joined SOH in 2007 to run the Simunye programme where they teach young children cooking skills, and heads her own catering company.

“The eight-week programme is for unemployed men and women to learn skills which will either get them employed or the knowledge to start their own business,” said Sindy. “Besides learning to bake, they will tackle market research, how to draw up a business plan, costing, money management and different food products.

All the training material has been supplied by Snowflake and the students will sell what they make in the eight weeks to give them start-up capital once they have graduated.”

READ ALSO: Local organisation continues to sow seeds of hope

The thorough programme will be run from SOH’s new training kitchen which was renovated by a team from Fellowship Church in Canada in July.

In preparation for the start of the new programme, Sindy and Buli headed to Cape Town on 28 January for three days of training. “It was an eye-opener how their programme was run – from creating employment, learning skills to empower yourself, and encouraging everyone to grow into an entrepreneur. We want to base the local programme on that. Students must account for themselves and part of the programe is to job shadow someone, so they can learn to earn.”

The six slots for the inaugural programme have already been filled but the next one will follow immediately after. There is a cost involved, as SOH believes students need to take ownership of their own futures. Classes will run on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8.30am to 4pm and students must take along their own dishtowel, apron and clear container to transport their baked goods.

SOH is in need of good quality second-hand measuring jugs, rolling pins, spatulas, electric beaters, cooling racks, baking trays, round muffin trays, wooden chopping boards, mixing bowls and cutlery.

READ ALSO: Load shedding ignites tips about gas safety

“We are excited to launch this new programme and confident that Sindy and Buli will do an outstanding job of helping community members learn a new skill, or improve an old skill, to help them either find employment or start their own baking business,” said SOH CEO, Kierra Ward.

To apply for the programme or to donate utensils, call Sindy or Kierra on 031-903-1125 or email sindy.khanyile@gmail.com.