A SLICE OF HOPE
The hot kitchen was rowdy with laughter and chatter, the trainees obviously enjoying their work. Most of them have similar plans, although some worry about start-up costs.
To alleviate this capital problem, Yayasan Mulia Hati subsidises 75 per cent of all equipment purchases by graduating trainees.
This pioneer batch of trainees started the course on August 3 this year, with 12 cookery students apprenticing under the Medan-based American Consulate chef for the first three weeks. Another seven trainees serve as waitresses at the café, while three others wash dishes.
According to Ms Waty Zuifan, treasurer of Yayasan Mulia Hati, most patrons are NGO workers in Meulaboh, with the exception of a few adventurous locals. On an average night, they serve between five to 20 customers at a go, and full houses are not rare.
The revenue generated goes back to funding the café operations and equipment purchase subsidies, said Ms Zuifan. If earnings are good, the trainees may even receive cash handouts as rewards.
The programme is not open to just anyone though.
Trainees are selected from Yayasan Mulia Hati's in-house counselling service, which runs daily beside the bustling restaurant service programme. The counsellor ascertains that the trainee is "mentally ready" and has overcome any trauma and grief caused by the tsunami. The procedure also ensures that the programme will benefit the most needy, according to Ms Zuifan.
Even as the trainees contemplated their future business prospects, Ms Meijer recognises that the new NGO market "probably won't be here very long".
However, she remains hopeful that these women's skills will be relevant even after the NGO workers leave.
"The locals may also be interested in this, because it's something they've never had before," she said.
More importantly, she plans to modify the cookery courses to include food from different cultures and countries, including local Indonesian food.
"By expanding the menu, we're extending their windows of opportunities," she said.
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