Twin brothers giving back to the community

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

TWIN BROTHERS Andrew and Mark Cole have been heading in the same direction since birth and it seems that is the way it is going to continue. At least for now.

Currently, both brothers are involved in the tourism industry, specifically food and beverage. Andrew is food and beverage manager at SuperFun Beach Resort and Spa (formerly Hedo III) and Mark is executive chef for both SuperFun Resort and Breezes Runaway Bay Resorts, both being SuperClubs properties in St Ann.

Now, after each has spent over 18 years in the tourism industry, the brothers have decided to give back to the community by sharing their vast knowledge and experience with students interested in the hospitality industry.

With sponsorship from SuperFun and operating under the auspices of the Culinary Federation of Jamaica (CFJ), and assisted by chefs Keith Brown, Burgerman Davis, Dwight Cross, the 'Cole Initiative' started last week Wednesday at the brothers' alma mater, Oracabessa High School in St Mary.

Develop young minds

There they spent a day interacting with over 40 grades 10 and 11 food and nutrition and home economic students.

"It's a campaign to develop young minds into good culinarists," explained Mark. "We are sponsored by SuperFun, and we operate under the umbrella of Culinary Federation of Jamaica."

Andrew explained further: "Under the initiative we try and go back into schools and impart what we know to grade 10 and grade 11 students who have chosen to study food and nutrition and home economics."

"What we have observed, through interviews, is that they need help. And since we're here, it's our community, we think it will help to motivate them if do this. More importantly, it will inspire them to be more determined and to try and seek to reach the highest level. "

"Furthermore, we think it makes a lot of sense to give back to the community," Andrew added.

During the sessions the team spoke to the students on various topics, such as the environment and the importance of caring for it, motivation, the difference between school environment and work environment.

Work hurdles

"We explained some of the hurdles and roadblocks that are there in the work environment so they will know what to expect. We hope our efforts will inspire them," Andrew declared.

Vice-principal Nellie Harris was happy for the contribution the past students were making to the school and said she hoped the initiative would continue.

"It is quite a good initiative and one that we are grateful for-they giving back to the school," Harris told The Gleaner.

"I think it is an extremely good gesture that can only help the students, help them to be more focused, not just in the area of food but to help them realise that they can succeed in whatever area they choose," Harris said. "It's really a welcome move and we are looking forward to having them share more and also hope that other persons would come."

She said the gesture was even more appreciated as, usually, the school is left out because it is not a traditional high school.