The annual graduation ceremony was celebrated in the presence of lecturers, proud parents and members of the Châine des Rotisseurs with a cocktail party at the School after the handing over of the trophies and awards.
Guestspeaker and NMMU lecturer Marianne Doubell congratulated the school for having progressed from humble beginnings to becoming a fully fledged institution which has accreditation and recognition with learning institutions.
Words of encouragement and felicitation were given by principal Francois Ferreira who always gives a send-off to his students with fatherly advice. Over the past eight years the Academy has built up a good reputation for training chefs of quality.
"In the last 7 years, all our students have been placed in top facilities for their mentorship and have found excellent jobs."
Various diploma courses are offered including an 18 month City & Guilds Diploma in Culinary Art (the first 10 months at the Eden School of Culinary Art, after which students do a 6 month mentorship in the industry). The certificate and diploma programme runs concurrently, after which the students write the diploma examinations.
Once the students return from mentorship, they are prepared for their International City and Guilds (C&G) Practical and Theoretical Examinations. There is also a diploma in Patisserie.
To graduate from the Francois Ferreira Eden School of Culinary Art was a dream come true for Marvin Jantjies (centre) who is seen here with Christine Joko (left) and Chrizelle Jantjies. Marvin works at the Meade Café where his pastries are sought after. His twin brother Marquin is as overjoyed as his brother.
Top students who received their diplomas and awards last Thursday share a joke with Chef Francois Ferreira. From left are Drikus Nieman, Francois, Lindé Watson, Kelsey Reynolds, Vice-Principal Carol Wicht and Mariska Landman.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
