Health Set-Back Inspired Culinary Career
26 March 2011
Charity Mugido hard at work in the kitchens of the Fine Dining Restaurant during her foundation degree
I love cooking and have always cooked for my family. After my illness I realised that life was too short not to do something I loved.
”Charity Mugido
A serious health condition led a Buxton graduate to pursue her dream of cooking in her own restaurant.
And that dream that looks a step closer to coming true after Charity Mugido was recognised with an award from the Institute of Hospitality at her graduation ceremony.
Charity graduated from the University of Derby Buxton with a Foundation Degree in Professional Culinary Arts on 26 March, when she also took home the Institute of Hospitality Award for Student Achievement.
After moving to the UK from Zimbabwe, Charity, who now lives in Allenton, Derby, sought to improve her English, literacy and computer skills at the University of Derby through its Access to Learning scheme.
On completing the course, her appetite for learning had grown. However, after suffering a series of serious set-backs including a brain haemorrhage, Charity was determined to follow a path she had always wanted to - cooking. She applied to join the Foundation Degree in Professional Culinary Arts at the University of Derby Buxton as a mature student.
Charity, who has three children, said: "I love cooking and have always cooked for my family. After my illness I realised that life was too short not to do something I loved.
"I was interviewed by the programme leaders, and although Fine Dining was completely new to me, they knew that I would be dedicated and passionate about learning."
During the next two years, she received a lot of support from the lecturers and got practical experience in food preparation, cooking and front of house duties in the Dome Fine Dining Restaurant, at the University of Derby's Buxton Campus.
Charity also gained practical experience within the hospitality industry by doing work placements at The Argosy Sizzling Pub and Birds Confectioners. "I loved the baking and putting finishing touches on variety of cakes," she continued.
"The experience and the work placements gave me the confidence to one day try and set up my own restaurant. Ideally I want to introduce Zimbabwean and other African cuisines to Derby."
Leonard Cseh, Programme Leader for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, said: "Charity was an enthusiastic student, and incredibly passionate about food. She thoroughly deserves this award from the Institute of Hospitality, and we wish her every success for her future career."
For more information on the Foundation Degree in Professional Culinary Arts or other programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit website www.derby.ac.uk/udb
