Pupils at an Ystrad Mynach school have opened their very own café.
Trinity Fields School has launched Caffi Oren to help pupils aged between 14 and 19 learn new skills in a working environment,
As well as teaching pupils practical skills in the kitchen, pupils will also handle customer service and will eventually open the café to the public.
The Caffi Oren venture was made possible by local firm Orangebox, whose employers cycled more than 200 miles from their London showroom to the company’s factory in Hengoed as part of a sponsored bike ride which raised £18,000.
Ian Elliott, Principal at Trinity Fields, thanked Orangebox for its donation and said: “Our new café will extend learning and accreditation opportunities for some of our older pupils, giving them real life experiences of the world of work. Working in the café will teach our students about catering, hospitality and food hygiene, and those working will be required to communicate with customers and handle money in a real life situation – providing a variety of skills they will need in adulthood.”
Orangebox employee and Trinity Fields School Governor Gareth Banks, added: “Each year Orangebox has chosen to raise money for a major charity, but this year we thought it would be great to hop on our saddles to support our local community instead.
“We’re delighted that the hard miles on the bike have resulted in this invaluable resource for the school that will offer positive experiences for pupils.”