The trainees receive their certificates in food and beverage service!

There was an atmosphere of excitement when I arrived at the centre in Athidiya last Thursday.   

People were busy bringing chairs to the centre, making garlands and preparing the traditional oil lamp that would be lit at the start of the ceremony. The trainees had all arrived smartly dressed and we waited with anticipation for the arrival of Harpo and his team and the mayor of Dehiwala/Mount Lavinia who had been invited as the special guest for the ceremony. 

 

Harpo and his team arrived with a refrigerated lorry full of food and drink.  Three waiters set up a trestle table outside and provided all present with fresh papaya juice – what a treat!

The mayor then arrived and after brief introductions the ceremony started.  Harpo and the mayor made short speeches and the trainees were presented individually with their certificates by the mayor. Sister Concepta rounded off the ceremony with a thanks  to all involved.

Renuka, one of the trainees, had a made a beautiful cake so we had photos around this.  We then got the chance to taste the cake (delicious!) and also eat the food that Harpo and his team had kindly provided.

Unfortunately, not many of the trainees’ parents were able to attend.  It appears that one of the reasons why not many were able to come was that they felt that they didn’t have appropriate clothes to wear for the occasion.  Things like this really make one realise what a difficult life many people living in the area lead and why it is so important for these people to continue to be supported.   I did manage to speak to a couple of the trainees’ mothers who were able to be present and they told me with huge beams on their faces how proud they were of their sons!

It was a lovely afternoon for all involved, the trainees looked so pleased with their certificates and I was honoured to be part of the celebration!

Katherine