CET students host dinner
While many students do projects at school, they hardly ever get to eat them. This week the students of the Center for Employment Training Hospitality Management course invited their families to sample the dishes they have been learning to prepare at a special luncheon. Luckily for us, the invitation to dine at CET was also extended to the media. News Five’s Hyacinth Latchman was on the guest list.
Our meal in the CET dining room began with an appetizer, followed by the main meal of baked chicken, white rice, stuffing and macaroni salad. As that wasn’t enough, we were treated to cold cake for desert. Anthony Sanchez, says the dinner is intended to showcase the student’s efforts.
Anthony Sanchez, Instructor, Hospitality Management
“We have a time when the students have to prepare for presentation to show on their first hand ability in the hospitality course. So today we have the students inviting their parents in, showing them all that they have accomplished while here at CET. So, our philosophy here at CET also is to help those who try and help themselves. So this will actually give them a chance to show off what they really have.”
The guests we spoke to were noticeably impressed.
Hiltebrandt Wade
“Well I like the chicken because it was fried dry and I like it like that.”
Erolida Alvarado
“Most of all I enjoyed the dinner; it was good. Everything was seasoned to time.”
The hospitality students say besides teaching specific skills, the course gave them confidence. And it’s never too late to learn something new as seventy-two year old Roletta Clark found out.
Roletta Clark, Student
“Well I learned to de-bone chicken and a few other things.”
Q: “And when you are finished with this course, Miss Clark, what do you hope you will do after that?”
Roletta Clark
“Oh! I plan to make nice dishes and serve my friends.”
Patricia Reyes, Student
“It just teach you how to handle your own business and how to get along with more people.”
Hyacinth Latchman
“If it was up to me to grade these students, I would give them all an “A” for warm hospitality, creativity and delicious food. Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.”
There are sixty-three students currently enrolled in CET’s Hospitality Management course which runs for ten months and includes six weeks of on-the-job training. Instructor Anthony Sanchez says CET is expanding the training program to the districts and has had a positive response from resorts in San Ignacio and San Pedro. CET is inviting hotels and restaurants from all over Belize to participate in the program and help give the students a chance to gain some first-hand experience before they enter the workforce.
