THE University College of the Caribbean (UCC) has said that students from its Hospitality and Tourism Division will be participating in Jamaica’s first staging of Le Diner en Blanc Kingston tomorrow.

According to UCC, the students will act as hosts/hostesses and aid in ensuring a seamless execution of the event, which is being presented by couples Leisha and Brett Wong and Imani and Stephen Price.

“Participation in this event will provide the students with an opportunity to gain exposure by being a part of an international event, to network and gain more experience with the execution of large scale, gastronomical events,” a UCC release quotes Dr Johnnel Smith, tourism and hospitality lecturer.

Smith said that she has always encouraged the students to participate in activities that will build their portfolios and résumés and as such, has ensured that she provided them with many gainful opportunities.

Therefore, when she was made aware of the event via social media and word-of-mouth, she was intent on ensuring their participation.

The students, UCC explained, have been thoroughly trained in all aspects of hospitality, as event, and food and beverage management are major components of the programme. They have also attended and participated in previous events held by the Government and private sector.

The university said that while the students will not receive graded class credits due to the impromptu nature of their participation, they will walk away with gainful experience. They are also being encouraged to do critical analysis and observations of the event and pay close attention to its organisation and execution.

Launched more than 25 years ago in Paris by Francois Pasquier and a handful of friends, Diner en Blanc promotes friendship, elegance and a sense of community. It is now held in over 50 cities in more than 20 countries around the world.