The ITL Foundation recently gathered staff for a hands-on baking session at ECAL (École Culinaire Aline Leal) in the heart of Port Louis, in collaboration with ANFEN, to mark World Biscuit Day.
ANFEN, which stands for the Adolescent Non-Formal Education Network, was created in 2000 by the UNICEF organisation. With a focus on youth excluded from formal education, ANFEN support its members in their efforts to reintegrate those excluded from school into society through inclusive and vocational training.
The sweet smell of success: Creating impact, one biscuit at a time
Under the guidance of the ever-passionate Chef Kendra Li, and in the joyful company of ANFEN students, the group dove into traditional biscuit recipes – mixing, kneading and laughing their way through the morning.
But it wasn’t just about baking. Every biscuit made was more than a treat – it was a symbol of support. All baked goodies were purchased to fund ANFEN’s training programme, helping empower adolescents who have faced educational challenges.
“We can’t thank our dedicated team of volunteers enough, who seized the opportunity presented by World Biscuit Day and rolled up their sleeves for an activity that has been so truly meaningful. The session itself was full of smiles, shared stories, flour-dusted aprons, and heart-warming moments between volunteers and the students. It was a reminder of the impact we can make when we step out of our routine and connect with our community,” said Françoise Chan, Executive Director and Board Member of the ITL Foundation.
Beyond biscuits: Shining a spotlight on the ITL Foundation
All in all, World Biscuit Day was a proper treat! Once the biscuits were ready, our colleagues at ITL gathered for a cozy afternoon filled with the comforting aroma of homemade biscuits baked by our staff volunteers in collaboration with ANFEN, perfectly paired with Earl Grey, Chamomile, and Mint Infusion teas.
The event offered a space to pause and reflect – together with the chance to discover the brilliant work of the ITL Foundation. Our colleagues were given the opportunity to browse through photo displays and videos showcasing our past community projects, all beautifully laid out on screens and posters.
Indeed, the last few months since the official launch of the ITL Foundation in December 2024 have been marked by community initiatives such as a cozy Christmas celebration with SAFIRE children and the donation of refurbished laptops to vulnerable children. As the dedicated CSR arm that will drive our commitment to making a positive impact in our community, the ITL Foundation has been striving to touch lives and deepen its outreach to vulnerable segments.
Altogether, the event marking World Biscuit Day served as a great reminder of how small actions can drive big change. It was also the perfect forum to spark ideas for what we can do next through an idea wall where our colleagues shared suggestions for future Foundation projects.
Ready to learn more about how our community outreach is changing lives around us? Stay tuned for the next impactful initiative by the ITL Foundation!
