KOLPING TEAM TIMISOARA
Passion, Skills and Courage
#our story
We are young, passionate and determined to give
our very best in the kitchen
In the cooking world, if you love what you do and put in hard work, you can overcome anything, like age and different education backgrounds. The Kolping Timisoara team is made up of young people aged 16 to 21, coming from all sorts of educational backgrounds. Through their efforts, we want to change the negative view of vocational schools in Romania. Despite the challenges, these young individuals hope to serve as an example for those who hesitate to pursue a practical career due to societal expectations that associates success exclusively with prestigious professions.
In Romania, vocational schools are negatively labeled and graduates are not properly prepared to meet the demands of the labour market. Kolping tackled the stigma surrounding vocational schools and highlighted the importance of a strong-competitive education by forming a group of young gastronomy enthusiasts 2023. The project was initiated in "Banat” - the western region of Romania, and was our contribution to the Timisoara 2023 - European Capital of Culture.
With the internationally recognized expertise of Chef Florin Kiss we brought together students from various places and seven different schools. They were chosen after a series of interviews and tests, intended to identify their unique talents and skills. In a business world where only few are willing to invest in the beginners and young students, our team wants to send a strong message to society. It's essential to encourage and support young people in fulfilling their passion while choosing a professional career. This is a crucial step for a successful integration into the labour market and building a strong self-determined life.
Strengths
Enthusiasm and motivation are their strong suits. The constant training for this competition, aims to enhance and develop their professional skills. Every dish they prepare is a new lesson learned. These promising young individuals have the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality and make Romania proud.
The close-knit team demonstrates that, when cooking, the age and the diverse backgrounds are not obstacles but opportunities to create exceptional culinary art. With their determination and the support of the community, we are confident that they will bring home the recognition they deserve.
We aim to make great food
Team members aspire to accumulate experience, constantly learn, prove their skills in competition, grow, demonstrate commitment within the team, inspire others with their enthusiasm, share their experiences after the Olympics and beyond, and eventually, be able to prepare great food in their own restaurants one day.
pLATES
Hours in the kitchen
The training
The team's preparation began in March 2023, under the careful guidance of Chef Florin Kiss – a silver medalist at the World Culinary Cup 2022. Each team member dedicated time and effort to refine their culinary skills during monthly training sessions, with the goal of preparing exceptional dishes for the Olympics. These aspiring young chefs also organized six dinners for the public, each with a different menu, cooked for social events, and participated in volunteer camps. These events were a great opportunity to strengthen the team and highlight a leader.
The Team
Fabian Prutean
Head Chef
I've been working in the kitchen since the age of 14. I infuse each dish with my personal touch and my determination becomes a vital ingredient in my recipe for gastronomic success.
Elisa Dedu
Pastry
I want to explore new boundaries! What do I seek from a chef's career? Everything! To achieve my maximum potential and inspire those around me to do the same!
Alexia Coroian
Chef
I work tirelessly, I am a dedicated individual, and I hope that my 8 colleagues already recognize me as an indispensable team member!
Bogdan Lovin
Chef
I am ambitious, passionate about cooking and my dream is to work in my own restaurant one day!
Bianca Prisneac
Chef
I declare myself addicted to the stress in the kitchen! The sizzle of hot oil, the passion for innovation, spontaneity, and perseverance – I hope these will be some of the elements that will take me where I aspire in my career as a chef.
Ariana Sinatovici
Assistant
I promise to give my full attention in the kitchen, show respect for all aspects of culinary art, work well in a team, and express gratitude to our mentor Executive Chef, Kiss Florin.
Ianis Bulgaru
Assistant
Even though I am the youngest in the team, I would like to make myself noticed through my creativity and determination to succeed.
Iani Bratan
Assistant
As a student in mechatronics and robotics, I spend my free time pursuing my love for cooking. Trying to combine technology with culinary creativity, I aim to strike a balance that reflects innovation in the kitchen.
Maximilian Dan
Assistant and
Media support specialist
I'm here to support the team as an assistant. Alongside my kitchen responsibilities, I focus on photography, videography, and translations in German and English, helping with tasks like translating recipes and menu items.
The table
Laudato si'
Praised be You
In a fascinating twist of nature, a tall tree boldly stretches its roots towards the sky. These roots, usually buried deep in the earth, defy gravity as they reach upward.
Similar to our dreams, they need vital elements – light, air, water, and nutrients – to bear life's fruits.
Responsible actions, focused on preserving the environment and sustainable development, create the most beneficial connection with nature. By protecting these roots and wisely using resources, nature rewards us generously. It's like a beautiful dance where our decisions resonate through the leaves, and nature replies with the sweet rewards of balance and joy.
Kolping Romania:
A history of social commitment and professional training
From its earliest roots in the year 1859, the „Kolping Gesellenvereine“ has served as a launching pad for young individuals in search of perspectives in their professional lives. Today, Kolping Romania stands as a social economy structure association with 77 local associations and an approximate 2400 members.
In the context of rebuilding civil society structures after the fall of communism, Kolping did not limit itself to charitable actions against poverty. With a broad vision, we invested in projects that strengthened democracy, created job opportunities, and promoted entrepreneurship. The association defines itself as a community of training and action, committed to providing "help for self-help."
During 2009 - 2010, vocational schools were disbanded from the educational system in Romania. dissolved, and Only a few years later, they were gradually reintroduced when the shortage of skilled professionals reached alarming levels. Kolping Romania initiated various initiatives to support vocational education and training programs. At the Kolping Hotel in Brasov and “Casa Calfelor” Hotel in Timisoara, for example, interns, apprentices, students, and scholars can prepare for careers in the tourism sector. Here, young people can make their way to a career in Romania, benefiting from training programs and exploring the perspectives offered by the labour market. Kolping Romania remains a pillar of vocational training and support for those aspiring to a successful career.
Gallery
Ioan Bontila 12 - 14
Timisoara, Romania
+4 0752 207256
ramonakukucska@kolping.ro
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