Stories of
Hope
Beneficiary
Testimonies
“The trainers that taught me were very patient and caring. They were passionate about their work, and that inspired me.”
The constant struggle with school and being bullied affected Charis’ confidence and eventually took a toll on her mental health, confidence, and self-esteem. “When I dropped out of school, my life seemed meaningless. I didn’t have any dreams and had nowhere to go,” she said. However, fueled with the determination to carve her own path to success, Charis decided to sign up for the WSQ Higher Certificate in Food Services (Culinary Arts) course by HCSA Academy after it was recommended by her secondary school counsellor.
Charis completed the 6-week course successfully and attained the professional skill sets she needed to kickstart a career in this line. With the continued support and guidance from the Academy team upon graduation, she was also able to secure a suitable job that allowed her to pursue her passion.
She acknowledges “working in the kitchen may be challenging, but if one has the passion for it, one will enjoy the process. Being taught by patient and knowledgeable chefs has slowly helped to build confidence in myself and my culinary skills.”
Charis’ passion, perseverance, and discipline paid off. She has blossomed into a competent team member at a local bakery and has been entrusted to guide new staff. She is also currently pursuing a Diploma in Food Services (Culinary Arts).
“HCSA Academy helped me to upgrade my skills. The trainers’ patient guidance also gave me the courage to move on and do the course well.”
Following his discharge from prison, HCSA Academy graduate Tau Choon intended to work as a tower crane operator. However, Covid-19 threw a spanner into his plans.
As he always had a keen interest in cooking and having previously ran his own food stall, Tau Choon decided to enrol into the WSQ Higher Certificate in Food Services (Culinary Arts) at HCSA Academy. “My goal is to cook for my loved ones. It also helps with my dream of having a higher educational qualification,” said Tau Choon.
He recalled his lessons at HCSA Academy with fondness and expressed appreciation for the trainers’ patience and tireless encouragement.
“It’s important to get the foundation right before working as kitchen crew in any restaurant,” he added. Tau Choon’s focus and discipline in the kitchen also helped him be a better culinary professional – he was promoted to Team Leader after a year of working at Astons Specialties!
