Hospitality Programme Opens Olona's World to Cooking Experience in France

Photo Credit: Amy Foundation SA via Facebook

From a hospitality classroom in Cape Town to the breathtaking kitchens of the Loire Valley in France, Olona Mafalala’s journey is proof of what happens when hard work meets life-changing opportunity.

Cape Town, South Africa (10 June 2026) – As we celebrate Youth Month, we are reminded of the importance of creating opportunities that empower young people to grow, learn, and reach their full potential.

This mission lies at the heart of the Amy Foundation South Africa. It is beautifully captured in the stories of the many young people they support, including that of Olona Mafalala.

When Olona first joined the Foundation in 2022, she expressed interest in pursuing a career in nursing, but with time, she discovered a different passion through the Hospitality Programme and embraced the opportunity to build a future in the industry.

“When Olona joined the programme, she was very shy, but she saw it as a chance to step out of her comfort zone and grow. Just weeks into the programme, she secured an internship at a Cape Town hotel and spa,” the Amy Foundation shares.

She worked hard, learned all about the trade, impressed her educators, and was later nominated for a three-year Hotel Management Traineeship at The Vineyard Hotel, where she is now a permanent employee and has recently completed her Diploma in Hotel Management.

Olona also recently secured the opportunity to travel to France, where she is currently on a six-week internship at Le Calabash Petit Conservatoire de la cuisine in the beautiful Loire Valley – an incredible opportunity made possible by Chef Sidney and Chef Alison, founders of the Cookery School.

“I am now three weeks into my internship, and I am feeling much more confident and comfortable. I’ve learned a lot, met great people, and I’m really enjoying the journey so far. I’ve also made a few mistakes along the way, but I’ve learned from them and will continue improving myself. I’m excited to keep growing and see what comes next,” says a determined Olona.

It all started with a young person being welcomed into a Cape Town charity that helped her find her purpose and place. When our young people are given opportunities to learn and grow, the possibilities are endless, extending far beyond our borders. Olona’s journey is proof of that.