Celebrating Excellence : Graduation of 316 Culinary and Hospitality Students
Written By Admin Published on October 19, 2024

On October 18, 2024, we celebrated a remarkable achievement as 316 students graduated from our Culinary and Hospitality Training Programs, a collaborative effort between RICEM and USAID-Hanga Akazi. The day began with an engaging job fair, creating a dynamic platform where hotel managers, industry leaders, and other honorable guests interacted with our graduates. This was an incredible opportunity for the students to showcase their skills and competencies, demonstrating the knowledge and expertise they had gained in their specialized areas, including barista, culinary arts, baking, and hospitality services. The graduates included women, men, youth, and individuals with disabilities.

Before the graduation ceremony, all of these students participated in internships, where they applied their training in real-world settings. We are thrilled to share that more than half of them secured jobs as a result of their internships, paving the way for successful careers in the industry.

After the job fair, we moved on to the graduation ceremony, a heartfelt occasion filled with pride and excitement as we honored the achievements of our graduates. Our distinguished keynote speakers took the stage, sharing valuable insights and encouragement. They emphasized the importance of the partnership between RICEM and USAID-Hanga Akazi, highlighting how this collaboration is vital for future opportunities. The speakers also discussed what is expected from the graduates as they move forward in their careers, urging them to embrace their skills with determination and to remain resilient in the ever-changing hospitality industry.

As the ceremony continued, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived : the presentation of certificates. Each graduate walked across the stage, beaming with pride as they received their well-deserved recognition. It showcased the power of education and the impact of skills training in helping individuals carve out their paths in the workforce. We are confident that our graduates will make significant contributions to the culinary and hospitality sectors, enriching their communities and inspiring future generations.

We extend our deepest gratitude to USAID-Hanga Akazi for their partnership. A special thank you goes to our dedicated trainers who have poured their knowledge and passion into nurturing these graduates. We also express our sincere appreciation to the hotels that provided our students with internships and job opportunities, playing a crucial role in their professional journeys.