The Culinary School Project in Rwanda
Offering a rigorous, Singita-crafted professional cookery course that sees young people from local communities graduating as commis chefs of the highest caliber, there are three Singita Community Culinary Schools (SCCSs) – located in South Africa, Tanzania and Rwanda respectively. Admission into the program is competitive and graduates emerge with highly sought-after skills and strong employment prospects.
- 2007 SCCS opens at Singita Kruger National Park
- 2015 SCCS opens at Singita Serengeti
- 2021 SCCS opens at Singita Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
From 2021 onwards, all three schools will offer the same internationally recognized Worldchefs certificate – a curriculum that combines the grounding of theory with intensive practical training. Graduates proceed to an internship program and receive job placement support, while exchanges with local and international kitchens are also available.
The Singita Community Culinary Schools constitute a significant step towards achieving Singita’s long-term community development goal of assisting the families that live in and around the reserves to thrive – both economically and socially.
Support for these projects includes sponsoring a student to attend an SCCS; contributing to the SCCS Expansion Fund; and participating in cooking classes at an SCCS, which entails a donation.
HOW DOES IT OPERATE?
History
The third Singita Community Culinary School (SCCS) was established in Musanze, Rwanda in July 2021. Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House’s proximity to a major town opened up the possibility of partnering with a local institution of higher learning, enhancing the sustainability of the program and deepening our relationship with the communities in which we operate.
Partnership model
The SCCS is hosted by and in partnership with a respected local institution of higher learning, Muhabura Integrated Polytechnic College (MIPC). MIPC is private institution offering technical and professional programs in Hospitality and Tourism, Civil engineering, Electrical Technology, ICT and Business studies, as well as some short courses.
The addition of a one-year culinary program of the caliber of the SCCS to the MIPC’s offering fills a critical niche as the tourism industry around Volcanoes National Park grows steadily and more and more local talent is required.
Scholarship awards
Scholarship applicants are drawn from the impoverished communities closest to the lodge.
Funding
Scholarships are funded through the generosity of donations. Singita funds the internationally recognized World Chef accredited curriculum for all students, whether scholarship or fee paying.
SCCS Facility
Singita has also fully renovated the MIPC teaching kitchen to offer students an SCCS education.
Chef Skills Developer (CSD)
Students are taught by a highly skilled Rwandan Chef Skills Developer from the MIPC. As the newest school, the MIPC Chef Skills Developer receives program mentorship from the program directors at our founding school in South Africa as well as Singita’s Executive Chef.
Theory and Practical Training
Students spend time learning the basics of theory in the MIPC classroom coupled with practical training in the state-of-the-art demonstration studio.
Singita lodge kitchen experience
Singita will also provide invaluable work experience in the Singita Volcanoes National Park kitchens for all students. They emerge with skills, real-world training, knowledge, creativity and confidence to take on a commis chef role in any professional kitchen.
Guest visits
The SCCS at MIPC welcomes Singita guests visits to its campus. This interaction with students contributes to the development of the next generation of talented young chefs.
Internship
Each graduate takes part in an invaluable three-to-six-month internship program (in a Singita or peer-organization kitchen) to refine their skills and bridge the gap from student to employee. Practice makes perfect!
YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
Support ACCF’S Rwanda Project – Volcanoes National Park.