The first Blind Culinary School to open in KZN

TO HELP people who are blind become self-sufficient and give them a head start in creating their own home industries, the KZN Blind and Deaf Society will soon launch a first-of-its-kind Blind Culinary School.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL [e-mail]

The school, sponsored by the Dr Govind Foundation, will teach students to make teas, coffees, cook meals and bake.

Sanjay Bhimjee, 56, of Sherwood, a former radio presenter, programmes manager and Braille teacher, who has joined the course, said he looked forward to learning to cook and being independent in the kitchen.

“Tam only able to make tea and coffee, and cut potatoes and onions. I am not kitchen savvy. I am eager to learn to be self-sufficient because I hope to get a place of my own soon. This course will allow me to fend for myself," said Bhimjee.

“Most blind people are trained to depend on someone but as times change, you realise there is a lot you need to do and can do to be independent, as opposed to depending on a friend or usually a woman to do it for you.”

Bhimjee, who is vegetarian, said a friend taught him to cut potatoes and onions.

"But it has been ages since I did it. Nowadays, these things are done for me by different people and I take it for granted. Being a vegetarian, I am excited to hopefully learn to make my favourite vegetable curries and fry chips. I am also looking forward to working in a team. The course is a great initiative.”

Bhimjee, who was born blind, is currently unemployed.