Joep Biemans is one of the blessings that the South Coast has received. The international ice cream chef travels from Holland to Port Shepstone twice a year to teach teachers and pupils at St Martin de Porres how to make ice cream.
Joep has been doing this for nine years, not only has he offered his knowledge at St Martin’s, but he has also trained numerous Department of Education employees, so that they can pass down the skill to teachers in the department.
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“I am from Holland, which is where I started making ice cream in 1972 and, as time went by, I realised that I needed to give back. A friend of mine back home, who donated computers to St Martin’s, suggested that I assist the school in whatever way I can. That is when I started raising money to buy the necessary equipment and transporting it to the school. Eyes For Africa funded the idea at no cost and that is how I managed to train people in and outside this school,” explained Joep.
Joep said he hasn’t fully achieved his goal. “Yes, I have taught a lot of pupils who end up graduating and getting their internationally recognised ice cream making certificate; but it is difficult for them to find employment. Only a handful are currently employed. I feel like doing more to help them but I just don’t know what.”
Even though Joep feels he is not doing enough, St Martin de Porres principal, Dion Davey, thinks otherwise.
“We are blessed to have a skilful international ice cream chef at our school. There is nowhere on the South Coast where you can learn how to make ice cream and get an international certificate for it. The programme has grabbed the attention of the Department of Education as well as the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). They are considering offering occupational skills and Umalusi certificates to our pupils,” he said.
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