Hospitality Professionals Visit Schools

This week, dozens of Hospitality professionals entered P-4, P-6 and M2 classrooms Island-wide to deliver the first of four one-hour lessons in hospitality.

From General Managers, Chefs and Restaurant Owners, to Retired industry veterans, a Destination Wedding Coordinator and Taxi Fleet owner, each has made a commitment to volunteer their time over the next four months to demonstrate the importance of being hospitable as a life skill and to raise the level of awareness of the Hospitality industry as a viable career choice.

“The pilot program was introduced at 6 Primary Schools and 1 Middle School” says Ms. Karla Lacey, CEO, Bermuda Hospitality Institute. “More than 350 schoolchildren, ages 8-12, are being schooled in the art of being hospitable. That’s a life skill every individual should master.”

The BHI developed curriculum features interactive lessons on Bermuda pride, manners & hospitality, standards & ethics, dining & etiquette and interconnecting careers. The first lesson this month focused on the difference between Tourism and Hospitality and how one is not possible without the other.

It also highlighted the individual benefits to being hospitable at every age and through all endeavors, and the unique cultural attractions found in the Parish of each participating school.

Volunteer instructor Livio Ferigo, owner of the Bonefish Restaurant & Grill and Café Amici said of his experience in a P4 class, “That was the best class I’ve ever taught, and I have taught in a lot of schools here! Great kids, well behaved and so easy to engage in conversations. I enjoyed it very much”!

Rosedon Hotel General Manager, Muriel Richardson, also had a great time with her M2 class, saying “It was a very rewarding experience! I am so glad I signed up for it. Can I take goodies for them next time?”

Each month students receive an assignment to work on that reinforces the lesson learned. For the month of February, they’re tasked with creating a jingle about Bermuda in class, as well as taking part in a Scavenger Hunt with their family (P4 & P6), and creating a Power Point presentation highlighting what makes Bermuda unique from their perspective (M2).

Their projects will be displayed as part of this year’s Heritage Month Exhibitions. “This program would not have been possible without the support of the Ministry of Education, school Principals, teachers and the many volunteers who are excited to share their passion and knowledge with these young students,” said Ms. Lacey.

“We urge all parents to speak with their children about the lessons they will be learning and reinforce these basic life skills at home.”

Schools currently involved in the program include:
• Elliott Primary School
• Francis Patton Primary School
• Heron Bay Primary School
• Port Royal Primary School
• St. David’s Primary School
• Victor Scott Primary School
• Whitney Middle School

#BermudianChildren

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