David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – Six women from the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) received coveted Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Culinary Arts Certificates today.  The women held a special graduation luncheon for their families and staff at the WCCC, featuring some of the 5-star quality cuisine they have learned to create. (See the menu below).

The KCC culinary arts program at WCCC is a comprehensive program that aims to educate participants in professionalism, commitment and responsibility. The women worked their way up from a beginner class to the intermediate level class.  If they chose to continue, they can also participate in an advanced class. They also earn 14 credits that will appear in their University of Hawaii transcripts.

Chef Lee Shinsato, a professor in the Culinary Arts Department at KCC, oversees the class along with teaching assistants, Anthu Nguyen and Kela Pulawa.

“This 4-stage certification is the same document that college students get when they complete this class.  They worked hard and made a decision to start doing the right thing,” said Chef Shinsato. “It’s all about the soft skills, respect, being on time, doing the right thing.  These women are better human beings today and now they are ready for new challenges in life”.

Inmates learn real-life job skills and those who don’t complete the final, advanced stage of certification before they leave, can choose to continue their culinary training at KCC.

“WCCC administration is always trying to figure out what we need to do differently in order to create positive change in inmates,” said WCCC Warden Eric Tanaka. “This cost-effective training program is a stepping stone for the women who will eventually be released from prison.  They now have skills to get a legitimate job, improve their options, and change the course of their lives”.

Pictures from today’s luncheon are attached.  You can find the full photo album on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/HawaiiPSD.

Today’s Graduation Luncheon Menu:

Charred Poblano-Potato Soup and Insalata Gardiniera Tossed Greens

Roasted Tomato Caprese Crostini

Local-Style Grilled Steak Quesadilla with Pineapple Chutney

Lup Cheong and Pineapple Fried Rice

Ume Chiso Glazed Mochiko Chicken

Naan Banh Mi Slider

Raspberry Cheesecake Chiffon

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Toni Schwartz
Public Information Officer
Hawaii Department of Public Safety
Office: 808-587-1358
Cell: 808-683-5507
[email protected]
https://hawaii.gov/psd/

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