Pupils at Heideveld Senior Secondary are excited to start cooking and baking in their new kitchen.
The launch of the new kitchen in their consumer studies classroom took place last Thursday May 11, and will be able to accommodate 12 pupils at a time.
The revamp included the installation of six new stoves, a fridge, a microwave, spices and utensils, and cook books as well as industrial tables and cupboards.
This was made possible by GrandWest as part of Sun International’s nationwide Schools Renovations Programme which focuses on upgrading hospitality classrooms at schools in underprivileged communities.
The aim is to properly equip pupils to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.
Teachers were also trained to use their new kitchens and to up-skill the pupils.
The three Cape Town schools which benefited from the initiative this year were Heideveld Senior Secondary in Heideveld, Khulani High School in Langa and Intsebenziswano High School in Philippi.
Curriculum adviser Venorene Africa thanked GrandWest for investing in Heideveld Secondary.
She said the holistic approach taken would ensure that pupils took up their rightful place in society.
GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World general manager Mervyn Naidoo said the idea was initiated to give back to the communities, to establish sustainable relationships with schools and follow up on their progress.
Pupils were invited to complete their job shadowing at GrandWest’s hotel where they would be exposed to the real life of a chef including long working hours, and hard work.
“At the moment pupils are in the comfort of their classroom and they have no idea of how the industry actually works. When we roll something out we do it with passion and not with a cheque book approach,” he said.
Mr Naidoo told pupils that they should cherish what they had been given and work hard as they had been provided with a great opportunity that could steer them away from social ills which had become a norm in the area.
Teacher Emma Bredekamp said because of the new classroom pupils were excited to learn and ready to get to work.
“You are helping us to envision the futures and we thank you for investing and providing us with the tools.
“Our pupils will benefit greatly,” she said.
Principal William Meck thanked the contractors for a job well done.