The Tanoa Hotel Groups has partnered with the Fiji Prisons and Corrections Service in the running of its cooking class for inmates which starts in Suva this week. 

Manager of the Tanoa Plaza in Suva, Mere Rakoroi said at the opening of the course that they will try to introduce innovative changes in the content and the direction of the course as well as in food presentation and kitchen practices. 

Ms Rakoroi said the hotel was quite happy to assist and has assured the availability of the executive chef of the Tanoa Plaza, Mr Rajend Chetty for three days a week in the two-week course. Mr Chetty was previously with the Tradewinds Hotel in Lami before joining the Tanoa Hotels and has had many years of experience. 

The course is being conducted by the RFMF’s chef, Warrant Officer E Kete with the executive chef and the cooking staff of the Tanoa Plaza overseeing the content and will also be contributing towards standard, procedures and basic skills. 

The Correction Academy has also secured the services of the lecturer in food production from the FIT’s School of Hotel and Catering, Eric Jioje, who is also a chef by profession. Mr Jioje has indicated his availability. 

Opening the course, Assistant Commissioner Orisi Katonibau said it is hoped that the 20 participants in the course will “take home with you skills that should lead you to do something more resourceful for your own self”. 

Academy commandant, ASP Jona Nawaqavou said the class was fortunate to have the calibre of resources support from the Tanoa Group of Hotels and the FIT’s School of Hotel and Catering. The objective of the course is to train in the theory and practice of basic cooking utilising available resources. 

The course will culminate in a belated Mothers’ Day celebration on Sunday, May 31 when mothers and wives of inmates will be invited for a special occasion to sample the cooking of the participants.

www.corrections.org.fj