The Story of George Chege - Kenya
In this week’s blog article, we want to share a story account from HOPE Founder, Ralph Bromley, about an inspiring young gentleman who’s beating the odds and cooking up a bright future in Nairobi, Kenya:
“I would love to introduce you to George Chege, a 23 year old student attending Amboseli Institute in Nairobi, Kenya with the goal of becoming a chef.
George’s life as a child was not an easy one. He grew up without a father and his mother had a very difficult time making a living for her four children.
I first met George at the age of 16 when he was living in a one-room home in a slum region of Mtwapa, a city along the Eastern coastline of Kenya. He enjoyed his school and was a good student. Along with his studies, he was accomplished at field hockey where he was able to travel to different parts of Kenya playing in tournaments. Along with field hockey, he is a die-hard Chelsea football (soccer) fan.
His interest in cooking came early. I remember watching him in his home chopping vegetables for the evening meal. Next came the cooking of family meals. His goal is to someday run his own restaurant.
His mother wrote the following: “George is an amazing son. He is very humble, highly disciplined, hardworking, and a man of high principles”.
George wrote the following:
“The reason as to why I chose Chef Training goes way back to 2013 when I first joined High School.
I met with a teacher, Mrs. Kaviha, who by then taught Home Science and explained to me the essence of having a well cooked and balanced diet in today’s world.
From there I grew an interest in food and became more passionate and wanted to know more about food products and services. I ended up joining her class and never missed her lessons. She was an inspiration to all the students she ever taught. The boldness and courage to proceed to college was all thanks to her efforts and she deserves the best from the world.
The second reason as to why I chose Chef Training is due to my family. Being the first born, I took it as my responsibility to get educated so that I can give back to them in the near future and be a role model to my younger sister and two brothers.
The AMBOSELI INSTITUTE is a well-known and established school of HOSPITALITY. I chose to undertake the Food Production Course. Under this course, we are taught how to prepare, serve, and present different types of meals. We are taught how to communicate with both the customers and other prospects of higher ranks at the organization. We also learn how to do food costing and communicate in foreign languages. Computer studies are also available in every course to avoid illiteracy of technology in the society.
I have faced several challenges that occur while in this institution. It is said: “In every opportunity there must be a challenge “,
- The delay of ingredients from the market and stores which makes the students impatient and angry.
- Misunderstanding of feelings between teachers and students during practical sessions.
- Theft of practical tools in cookery department and hostels.
Yet, I continue to believe that there’s a promising future if you only consider the reasons as to why you joined the Institute in the first place. Life is full of challenges, the only thing that we ought to know is HOW TO OVERCOME THEM.”
George, we all pray that someday you will be a Master Chef!”
