By Sr. Gladys Chama, SOM
Mansa, CNCS Hub
Thirteen novices and postulants from the Sisters of Mercy, together with their novice mistress, completed a five-day culinary workshop at Medium View Lodge in Mansa to strengthen community service.
The workshop, held from 13 to 17 January 2026, also attracted staff from Medium View Lodge and Spaita Centre, as well as participants from Samfya and Namwandwe areas, bringing the total number of participants to 19.
Participants were trained in pastry, including red velvet cake, meatballs, cheese macaroni and mini pizzas.
Chef Given Bulanda, proprietor of Gilanda Foods Enterprise in Lusaka, said the training equipped participants with hands-on pastry skills to begin production immediately after four days of intensive learning.
She added that the workshop emphasised kitchen and personal hygiene, menu and recipe development, ingredient functionality and practical tasting.
“The skills gained during the training will strengthen the Sisters of Mercy’s ministry, improve meal preparation, support tuck shop management and enable the production of pastry items for visitors and external clients,” said Chef Given.
And Sisters of Mercy Novice Mistress, Sr. Anastasia Kalingeme, said the training reflects the Congregation’s commitment to serving communities through practical skills.
“The Sisters of Mercy will use these skills to serve food at soup kitchens, hospitals and during community events,” she said.
Sr. Anastasia said the workshop came about after Mrs. Charity Makasa, owner of Medium View Lodge, invited Chef Given to train her staff and extended the opportunity to the Sisters of Mercy and the wider community through Radio Yangeni.
She added that Chef Given encouraged participants to use natural ingredients and grow their own spices such as mint, rosemary and parsley to enhance flavour.
The participants welcomed the training, with novice Blessings Nakamba saying it would help improve her cooking skills, while postulant Prisca Mwila said the skills acquired align with their mission of service.
Meanwhile, Sr. Anastasia thanked Chef Given and Mrs. Makasa for their support and said the chef has been invited to conduct a follow-up session in April.
