Ākonga Team up to Raise Money for Cambodia Charitable Trust

For the past three years, Toi Ohomai ākonga have teamed up not only with each other but with the Cambodia Charitable Trust to raise vital funds for educational programmes. 

This year's fundraising initiative unfolded as an engaging event that granted ticket holders the unique experience of a captivating fashion show. Executed by the adept Culinary Arts ākonga and overseen by their counterparts in Tourism and Hospitality, the evening showcased the multifaceted talents of both teams.

The proceeds derived from this initiative play a pivotal role in supporting education programs in Cambodia, with a specific focus on vulnerable children.

The fashion show featured the latest designs from Magazine Designer Clothing and Shoo-Bethlehem stores. The 45-minute showcase, witnessed by an audience of 80 guests, provided a platform for the students to exhibit their culinary prowess and hospitality skills.

The delectable selection of canapés served before the show was meticulously designed and produced by the culinary students as part of their final capstone project, according to class tutor Marco Fuchser.

Marco says he was impressed with the menu his ākonga put together. 

“The event was totally led by my ākonga. This put their newly acquired kitchen management skills to the test.”

In addition to the culinary showcase, Kylee New's tourism class seized the opportunity to display regional food trails as part of a showcasing assessment. Guests were invited to peruse and engage in discussions with the participating students.

The preparation leading up to the event involved students actively participating in two meetings to iron out details such as the preferred style of food and beverage, venue layout, and suitable timing. 

Kylee says the feedback received from the guests on the night was overwhelmingly positive.

“Ākonga designed, distributed and collected feedback forms to evaluate the success of the event. This data will be utilised for a comprehensive assessment.”

Committee members from the Cambodia Charitable Trust said it was a great night.

“We arrived to find the venue set up beautifully, students ready and offering to help where needed. We have had lots of really positive feedback on how much people enjoyed the show, the venue and hospitality of the students,” they said.

Kylee says it is evident that these collaborative efforts provide invaluable opportunities for tertiary students on their personal journey of growth and development.

“This is a great collaboration and one where the results are far more wide-reaching than the classroom. Our students really enjoy being part of this kaupapa and take pride in the knowledge they are contributing to a worthy cause.”