NMI culinary students prepare holiday meal for shelter

Culinary students from the CNMI’s training school woke up early to put together a Thanksgiving meal for the women’s and children shelter on Saipan.

It’s a timely reminder amid the holiday rush. Ben Babauta, Marketing Director, NMTech, said, "We wanted to teach our students that when you cook and we teach you the skills you can use that for the community as well."

Culinary students at the islands’ training school were up early to prepare a thanksgiving meal for families at Guma Esperanza, a shelter for victims of crime. Chef Inas Hocog, NMTech Culinary Instructor, said, "Well this is our second year around and it is to give back, just give back to the community."

Six first year students just completing their final exams helped put the meal together. It’s a gesture that people are thankful for. Lauri Ogumoro, Director, Karidat and Guma Esperanza, said, "It really is special for them to remember the women and children because it’s nice for them to realize people remember them especially around these holidays so it is a wonderful partnership that they started last year and they’re continuing  it and I hope that they continue it each year."

The shelter opened in 2001 and has been a home for the holidays and beyond for families in need.