Trainee chefs, who should have completed their training in Samoan hotels were left without places to undergo work experience following the Tsunami that devastated their country in September.

However, on learning of their plight, Manukau Institute of Technology's School of Hospitality offered to help the six students, who were in the final stages of their Certificate in Hospitality at the National University of Samoa.

Past King's parent and MIT Operations programme manager, Cherie Freeman approached King's Food and Beverage Manager, Paul Stanton about taking two of the students for their two weeks practical training. Vita Favesa and Filipi Vaega have spent the last two weeks in the College kitchen and the arrangement has been very succesful.

Vita commented, "We really appreciate what MIT has done for us and also to King's College, so that we can complete our certificate and graduate."

Most of their training this far has been involved with a-la-carte service, so working in a kitchen that prepares meals for 400 students three times a day has been a new experience for them both, Vita and Filipi said. They have learnt a lot about cooking meals in bulk quantities.

Four other students came to Auckland and worked at Holiday Inn Airport Hotel and Hotel Grand Chancellor.

During their time at the College, Vita and Filipi stayed with long-serving King's kitchen staff member Ake Leota.

Other supoort for Samoa from the College has been initiated by Rev Warner Wilder who organised a very succesful appeal calling for donations from the King's community of building materials, household items and appliances. A container of these goods will be shipped in the next two weeks.

 

Pictured above (L - R) Paul Stanton, Vita Favesa, Filipi Vaega and Ake Leota.

 

 

 

 

Gael Panama
Marketing & Communications Manager