14 women from countries across Africa have been given the opportunity to learn new skills and build careers in hospitality this year
Dubai, UAE-: DaVinci Gourmet announces the conclusion of the 2023 training program hosted in partnership with Evolvin’ Women, a company signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and social enterprise dedicated to providing job opportunities for women from developing nations.
The DaVinci Gourmet team has delivered trainings in beverage solutions, coffee, and the art of barista and mixology to members of Evolvin’ Women. All graduates are women from rural areas in countries where political, economic, or social circumstances have restricted their access to professional development and full-time job opportunities in the Food & Beverage (F&B) segment.
Designed to provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the F&B sector, the 2023 training program featured contributions from new partner brands Costa Coffee and MMI.
DaVinci Gourmet intends to continue to provide four training sessions per year for Evolvin’ Women participants, allowing the group to provide more women from across the world the opportunity to grow their careers.
The DaVinci Gourmet training program has resulted in some amazing success stories. For instance, graduate Clarisse Mushimiyimana has just secured a role in the F&B department at IHG Bahrain, while Mutise Mukua, who currently works in F&B at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, notes that the training has given her the confidence to become a Barista.
All 14 participants will be congratulated on November 17 during the program’s closing ceremony. This special celebration will honour the achievements of the participants, and provide them with well-deserved recognition.
Fahim Ariff, Kerry Foodservice Brands Middle East and Africa GM says: “Davinci Gourmet is on a mission to transform the hospitality industry into an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. By partnering with Evolvin’ Women for past 2 years, we have so far provided 30+ women with valuable barista and mixology training. All our participants have shone throughout the process, and hugely developed their skills and knowledge. We are really proud of this year’s class, and the participant’s dedication and passion for the program has been truly admirable. We look forward to honouring their great achievements in our closing ceremony on November 17, and taking on new recruits from Evolvin’ Women for our future programs. We are confident that our graduates will continue to thrive in their new roles in the UAE. In addition, when they eventually return to their home countries, they will be able to pass on their new knowledge to others in their community and strengthen their local economy as a whole.”
Aliane Uwamahoro came to the UAE from Rwanda through Evolvin’ Women two years ago. She recently completed a training session with DaVinci Gourmet.
She says: “Being able to complete the mixology and barista training with DaVinci Gourmet was a fantastic experience. My ultimate career goal is to one day open my own coffee shop, and being able to learn how to make specialty coffees and drinks through the training program has helped me along my path towards achieving this. I am so grateful for the opportunity.”
Claire Uwamahoro also from Rwanda, came to the UAE through Evolvin’ Women to work as a room attendant at Doubletree by Hilton JBR. She has now been promoted to F&B attendant.
She says: “I took part in a mixologist training workshop in 2022. It was an amazing opportunity for me. Before doing my training, I didn’t know anything about how to make coffees or cocktails. But now I want to make them every day and my guests are so impressed with them. I am so proud to be able to do something like this that makes my guests so happy.”
