Renowned chef George Jardine took centre stage at the Amy Foundation's headquarters near Cape Town, leading a dynamic, hands-on cooking demonstration in celebration of International Chefs Day.
As Head of Culinary for Africa and the Middle East at Valor Hospitality Partners, Jardine inspired the Amy Foundation’s Hospitality Program participants, demonstrating how the culinary arts can empower and uplift.
The event took place at the Amy Foundation’s Hospitality Training Kitchen in Sybrand Park, where program learners gain practical experience in a professional environment—vital for launching careers in the hospitality industry.
International Chefs Day, established 20 years ago, encourages young people to see food not just as sustenance but as a potential career and a source of growth. This year’s theme, “Growing Great Chefs,” is perfectly aligned with the Foundation’s mission to show learners how cooking can nurture curiosity while also offering the chance to watch one of South Africa's best chefs in action.
Culinary education equips participants with practical skills that boost confidence, foster creativity, and instill a sense of achievement—essential for personal and professional development. Through our Hospitality Program, they gain skills that can lead to employment or even starting a business, commented Michelle Bagley, Communications and Fundraising Manager at the Amy Foundation.
Jardine brought this theme to life through his demonstration. He prepared a chicken-based risotto from scratch, deboning a whole chicken and using it to make stock. As he cooked, he engaged with the students, sharing stories from his career.
“Many of us in the industry come from humble beginnings,” he said. “I left school at 15 without any formal qualifications, but the kitchen taught me everything. Over time, I worked my way up in the culinary world.”
Jardine’s career began in Scotland before he moved to London. He has since held executive chef roles in prestigious restaurants worldwide and earned numerous accolades. Once the risotto was ready, he plated it restaurant-style.
Working skilfully, he impressed the audience. Afterwards, Jardine commented, “I wanted to show them that gourmet cooking isn’t as complicated as it seems. With a little know-how, anyone can create something incredible.”
“This partnership with Valor Hospitality and George Jardine embodies what we stand for at the Amy Foundation—empowering youth through skills development. Our Hospitality Program gives young people practical skills that can lead to real job opportunities. Collaborating with someone as experienced as George shows our learners what’s possible in the culinary world and inspires them to aim high,” added Bagley.
Since joining Valor Hospitality in February 2024, Jardine has embraced the company’s commitment to community development. “Valor’s values align with mine in many ways. We believe in investing in the communities we serve, and this demonstration is about connecting with young people who haven’t had the easiest path,” he said. “Valor is committed to sourcing locally and building up the areas where we operate. Over 90% of our workforce and products come from the surrounding communities, and we’re always looking for ways to develop skills and create job opportunities.”
Valor Hospitality has partnered with the Amy Foundation since 2014, and in 2023, the company offered an additional donation to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Africa and support youth empowerment programs.
“This collaboration with Valor and George perfectly aligns with our long-term goals of helping young people become self-sufficient and reducing unemployment in their communities. We are opening up opportunities by providing vocational skills, particularly in the hospitality industry. It’s a key part of our vision for creating lasting change,” Bagley said.
Jardine agrees that food can be a powerful tool for positive change. “These young people might not see it yet, but the kitchen offers them a world of opportunity. My role is to help them realise that,” he concluded.
About Valor Hospitality Partners
Valor Hospitality Partners is a global leader in hotel management and operations, recognised for its strong commitment to community upliftment, particularly in Africa. The company actively engages in initiatives that promote job creation, local skills development, and sustainability. By investing in local communities, Valor helps create employment opportunities, fosters career growth through targeted training programmes, and collaborates with local developers to elevate hospitality standards. Valor's community-centric approach boosts local economies and empowers individuals to thrive, contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth across the regions they serve. Their partnership with organisations like the Amy Foundation underscores their belief that businesses thrive when their communities do.
About the Amy Foundation
The Amy Foundation, established in 1997 to honour the legacy of Amy Biehl, is a non-profit organisation based in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is dedicated to empowering young people from vulnerable communities by providing educational and developmental opportunities for youth aged 5 to 35. The Foundation offers after-school programs on academic support, creative arts, life skills, and youth development courses in hospitality, beauty therapy, and technical skills. Through its comprehensive programmes, the Amy Foundation helps combat high youth unemployment, equipping young people to become economically self-sufficient and contributing members of society.