Accra, Feb. 7, GNA- The 14th graduation ceremony of Stemapet Cake and Floral Institute has been held with a call on the youth to explore opportunities in the culinary industry.
Mr. Peter Kerse, the Director of Stemapet Cake and Floral Institute, said: “… I believe the well-explored culinary industry will be a hub of employment to support efforts by shareholders in curbing the unemployment menace.”
Mr. Kerse who was speaking on the theme: “The Position of the Culinary Industry in Job Creation,” said the culinary sector could attract foreign tourists as done in Kenya when managed well.
He, therefore, urged unemployed graduates to form cooperative units and collaboratively manage such businesses to create opportunities for themselves and others.
“Two or three graduates with similar or different employable skills can come together with their diverse expertise to form cooperatives and champion a course of rendering services to society.”
The Director lauded the graduates for their creativity and innovative skills, which he said came to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Mrs. Genevive Duncan, a Certified Banker, implored the graduates to identify their talents, start right and create jobs to employ others.
“Let us transfer the knowledge to others, and make Ghana a good marketplace for the foreigners,” she said.
She asked them to always exhibit good attitudes towards clients.
Mr. Henry Opoku Nyarko, Group Manager Zara Kitchen, advised the graduates to be disciplined in all their endeavours.
Those who distinguished themselves in the courses were given prizes and certificates, with Mr. Raphael Inkoom being adjudged the Overall Best Student.
He also too the “Madam’s Special Award.”
Ms. Martha Nana Yaa Amankwa was awarded the best Sugar-craft student, and Ms. Emelia Lamptey, the Floral student award.
Ms. Elizabeth Armah was the best graduating student in Cookery.
The hardworking students’ awards were presented to Ms. Sandra Lartey, Ms. Elizabeth Armah and Ms. Naa Akwei.
The best Pastry Student award was presented to Ms. Emmanuella Oppong with the Best Fashion Student going to Ms. Diana Boafo.
Long service teachers’ awards were also presented to deserving educators.
In all, 48 students passed out with diploma certificates after pursuing foundation and proficiency courses in Pastry, Sugar-craft and Floral, Fashion Designing, Cookery, Floral, Pastry and Sugar-craft.
Out of the number, 46 were females.
They exhibited designed cakes, pastries, floral designs, and dresses.
The Institute, established in 2007 with only a student in a garage, now has 72 students.
GNA