This week, we place the spotlight on chefs-in-the-making from the Boys’ Town HEART Vocational Training Centre in Arnett Gardens.

Mikhail Foster, HEART Level Two (Food Preparation) student

Mikhail Foster’s enrolment at the Boys’ Town HEART Vocational Training Centre took quite a few detours. Upon graduating from Mona High school Foster applied to study visual arts at the Edna Manley College but was not accepted. He opted to work instead for three years and first secured a job as an apprentice mechanic and then as a repair technician. “I wasn’t enjoying my job and decided to leave,” he disclosed, “I signed up at the Runaway Bay HEART Hotel & Training Institute but they didn’t have the space so I came to Boys’ Town last September.” The tall and loquacious Mikhail (a professed fan of the Observer’s Christmas Cookbook) shared that though he was initially disappointed at not securing placement at the St Ann-based school, he’s long since come to fully appreciate and enjoy where he is. “I’m very happy here,” the enthused student said. “I’ve been exposed to so much about the culinary landscape and learnt a lot about proper standards and procedures to be used.” Upon completing Level Two, Mikhail wants to move on to Level Three, and given that his mother is his sole source of financial aid, he stressed: “Failure is not an option right now.” Post-HEART, the 22-year-old said he’s contemplating pursuing a bachelor’s degree in tourism and hospitality management at the University College of the Caribbean when time and money permit.

Valrie Downer, HEART Level Two student

She might be a generation removed from most of her fellow classmates, but 56-year-old Valrie Downer is no less passionate or attentive in the classroom at the Arnett Gardens-situated HEART training institution. “I love baking and wanted to do a certified cooking course and was all set to enrol at Jan’s School of Catering but then HEART,” was recommended. The mother of three adult children had prior experience in the kitchen, having worked in supervisory positions in canteens at the New Testament Church of God and the now-defunct Coxfullworth juice company. Valrie noted, however, that the formal training she has received to date has helped develop a greater understanding of the appropriate techniques and methods to utilise in preparing food. Learning alongside students who could be her own children, she explained: “It’s challenging with the young people and they’ve made comments but we have learnt from each other… I know what I want and have been going about it.” She revealed that “after I finish [Level Two] I want to do the baking course offered here… I want to excel and be the best and eventually hopefully go into my own business where I can employ and help my poorer brothers and sisters.”

Andran Dawson, HEART Level Two student

Andran Dawson applied to HEART four years ago but after landing a job as a cashier at Ammar’s, he opted to work instead. The Christiana High alumnae reapplied in April last year, started classes in September, and today, is satisfied with the knowledge and experience he is acquiring. “I registered because I love cooking and I realised it was a good field to be in since people can’t live without food,” Andran shared. He recalls how as an 11 year old he would create meals in the kitchen supervised by his mother and older sister who taught him how to cook. Twenty-two-year-old Andran is keen on making good use of the opportunity at HEART. “Right now, I’m giving it my best shot because my mother is supporting me and I want to complete Level Two,” he assured. The chef-in-the-making, who is also father to a three-year-old boy, said when he wraps up training and graduates, he would love to work at sea as part of the kitchen staff on a cruise liner. “I feel it would assist me financially and help me make a better life for my family and myself.”