Training program in ‘Le monde’ culinary school

Training program in ‘Le monde’ culinary school

Last spring 5 trainees from Theotokos Foundation were offered a scholarship to attend a cooking seminar at “Le monde” culinary school. The scholarships were offered by the organization “Together for children”, a non-profit/non-governmental association founded in 1996 with a mission to provide immediate and effective support to children, families and individuals with disabilities who are in need. (Theotokos Foundation is one of the member organisations)

Le Monde culinary school is the No 1 school for Hospitality & Tourism in Greece. It is an innovative educational leader, offering degree programs in culinary arts, pastry & bakery arts, and hospitality and tourism management. It offers great employment perspectives.

Τhroughout the programme the trainers Mrs Maria Ntzelepi, Occupational Therapist and Mr Giannis Deligiannis, Chef, supported and encouraged the young people’s efforts.

Before the onset of the program the trainees completed the world health organisation quality of life questionnaire. The same questionnaire was completed after the termination of the program.

In the question ‘How satisfied are you with your capacity for work?’ all 5 participants answered ‘very satisfied’ (highest grade).

The same results occured in the question ‘How satisfied are you with your ability to perform your daily living activities?’.

In the question ‘How much do you enjoy life?’ 60% answered ‘an extreme amoun’t and 40% ‘very much’.

In the question ‘To what extent do you feel your life to be meaningful?’ 60 % answered ‘very much’, and 40% ‘an extreme amount’.

In the question ‘How would you rate your quality of life?’ all of them answered ‘very good’. 

It is the first time that Theotokos’ trainees receive a training certification.

YOUNG PEOPLES OPINION

• All 5 participants said that were sad that the program ended and hoped it would continue. 
• They all expressed their satisfaction.
• As it was observed by the trainers the confidence of the trainees got higher.
• As a group they developed a strong friendship.

FAMILIES’ OPINION

All families mentioned their satisfaction with the program and their gratefullness. Two families mentioned that maybe now it is time for the young people to find a job.

Other benefits of the program

• Socializing
• Generalization of the skills outside the institution space
• More confidence

The example of Thanasis

• Thanasis one week after the completion of the program decided to make his application in ‘Ergaxia’, in supported employment department to find a job.
• When he was asked if the program caused this decision he said yes and that it helped him because he learned new things and performed more difficult recipes

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