TopCraft Culinary Academy, Kubwa: Empowering Pastry Entrepreneurs on a Budget

As the culinary training programme of 9ja Food Fiesta continued to expand, we partnered with TopCraft Culinary Academy, Kubwa, to further strengthen our commitment to practical, accessible, and sustainable skill acquisition for youths.

The training at TopCraft Culinary Academy was carefully structured to accommodate participants’ schedules, with two classes held weekly, one during the week and another towards the weekend. This flexible approach ensured consistent learning while allowing trainees time to practice and reflect on what they had learned.

Focus of the Training
The programme at TopCraft Culinary Academy focused primarily on pastries, a high-demand and profitable segment of the food industry. Participants were taught a variety of pastry-making techniques, gaining hands-on experience and confidence in their craft.

Beyond the technical skills, the academy emphasized the business side of pastry production. Trainees were taught:

* Costing and measurements, helping them understand accuracy, portion control, and profitability.
* Identifying their target audience, enabling them to tailor their products to the right market.
* Starting and managing a pastry business on a budget, equipping participants with strategies to begin small, manage limited resources effectively, and grow sustainably.

Impact of the Training
The training sessions at TopCraft Culinary Academy were engaging, practical, and impactful. Participants gained not only baking skills but also the confidence and knowledge required to start their own pastry businesses, even with minimal capital.

Overall, the partnership with TopCraft Culinary Academy added significant value to the 9ja Food Fiesta culinary programme, reinforcing our mission to empower youths with skills that are both marketable and immediately applicable in the fight against unemployment and poverty.