Students from Esther’s Aid Culinary Arts School Celebrate Success at Final Practical Exam in Kigali

Kigali, Rwanda — On October 2, 2025, Esther’s Aid Culinary Arts School hosted its much-anticipated final practical exam in the school’s professional kitchen. The event drew a distinguished panel of judges, including renowned hotel chefs from across Rwanda and special guests, to evaluate the culinary talents of the students completing their training.

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The day was a showcase of skill, passion, and dedication.

Among the students, Ms. Umutesi Kalisa Barbra shared her journey, highlighting her six months of rigorous training complemented by a four-month internship at Radisson Blu Hotel. She expressed confidence in how the practical experience transformed her, emphasizing that her culinary education went beyond theory. “I’ve acquired many skills that I can use in the hospitality industry, especially in cooking for events,” she stated.

Umutesi  aspires to start her own business and has a keen interest in bakery and pastry arts, emphasizing that culinary skills can elevate one to great heights with humility and teamwork.

Similarly, Ms. Kaitesi Doreen reflected on her passion for culinary arts, which she has nurtured since childhood. She credited Esther’s Aid for providing a platform to develop her skills despite language barriers and limited space. Doreen spoke proudly of her internship at Kigali Marriott Hotel, where she learned essential techniques such as chopping and cooking, which she now intends to leverage to create her own culinary enterprise or work in top hotels.

Also Mr. Sebastien Mugisha shared his experience of training at Serena Hotel Kigali.

He praised the school’s practical approach, which closely mirrors the real-world environment of professional kitchens.

Mugisha emphasized that the time at Esther’s Aid equipped him with skills necessary to excel in the hospitality industry, whether working in a hotel or starting his own business—a venture he considers promising despite financial challenges.

Ms. Clare Effiong, Esther’s Aid Country Director, passionately highlighted the significance of the students’ achievements, stating, “Investing in our students’ skills and passion is the key to shaping Rwanda’s future culinary innovators. At Esther’s Aid, we believe that with dedication, humility, and creativity, anyone can rise to great heights and make a lasting impact in the hospitality industry.”

Judges praised the students’ progress and the comprehensive nature of the training, noting that Esther’s Aid offers a critical pathway for aspiring chefs in Rwanda. The event not only celebrated the students’ accomplishments but also underscored the vital role of quality culinary education in transforming lives and building a thriving hospitality sector.