Five Community and Supported Learning students at Fife College have won a national award for their involvement in a local charity kitchen project.

Fiona Knowles from Lower Largo, Chloe Hutchinson from Largoward, Patrick Steffens and Laurie Doran, both from Cupar, and Julia Stadnik, from Kirkcaldy, who all attend The Sunshine Kitchen, were awarded the Community Enterprise Award at the prestigious Scottish Commission for Learning Disability (SCLD) 2019 Awards at Edinburgh’s Sheraton Hotel.

The award was sponsored by Social Investment Scotland and CEIS Group.

Based in Cupar, The Sunshine Kitchen offers young people the opportunity to develop their skills in a supportive working environment, where food is made from locally-sourced produce to be sold at Farmers Markets and other special events.

The project also runs a catering service, as well as supplying food products for events and businesses. The young people are involved in all aspects of the project including sourcing ingredients, making food, marketing and selling the products.

Fife College Lecturer Gayle Nelson, who runs the charity, said:

“The students are absolutely delighted to win this fantastic award. This project gives them the opportunity to really use the skills which they are learning in College and it is a real affirmation of all their hard work over the past year. They had a wonderful time in Edinburgh at the Awards Ceremony. SCLD apparently receive many nominations and so it was wonderful to receive such a commendation from the judges.”

Craig Martin, Curriculum Manager for Community and Supported Learning at Fife College, said:

“I am extremely proud of our current and former students winning this award.  We aim to progress our students in to meaningful employment or work experience. This new charity is empowering our learners to make that transition. Fife College looks forward to working with them in the future.”

More information about the project can be found on The Sunshine Kitchen website.

Photograph:  Pictured are Chloe Hutchison (Lifeskills 1, Fife College), Rhona Dougall, Julia Stadnik (Community Skills, Fife College), Stuart Robertson (Support for Learning, Perth College), Laurie Doran (Lifeskills 1, Fife College), Patrick Steffens (Lifeskills 2, Fife College) and Kevin Smith, Enterprise and Business Adviser at CEIS.  Fiona Knowles (Lifeskills 2, Fife College) was also part of the winning group on the night but is not pictured.