Wanta’s latest social enterprise project ‘Tanami Treats Café’ in Lajamanu, is an inspiring initiative that blends education, community engagement, and practical experience into a thriving social enterprise. Established in partnership with Lajamanu School, Tanami Treats has proven to be more than just a café—it’s a vital part of the students’ learning journey and a beacon of community spirit.
Daily Operations and Student Involvement
The café typically opens in the mornings from 9 am to 12 pm, depending on scheduling. Each day starts with students working together to complete an opening checklist. This checklist includes tasks such as tidying up the workspace, setting up espresso machines, and counting the till. This routine helps students develop a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
Students take on various roles throughout the day. They interact with school staff and visitors to take orders, which are then fulfilled by the baristas. Occasionally, teachers let their classes indulge in hot chocolates and other treats, adding a touch of enjoyment to the students’ school day.
As students gain experience, they become more autonomous. This newfound confidence has led to the introduction of a team dedicated to baking specials like quiches, banana cake, and cookies. Students are involved in deciding what to create, finding recipes, writing shopping lists, and using math to determine costs, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
The Learning Focus
Tanami Treats is not just about serving coffee and snacks; it’s a holistic educational tool aligned with Wanta’s broader goals. Educational sessions cover essential topics such as financial literacy, nutrition, health, and hygiene. This integration ensures that the curriculum is directly linked to students’ real-world experiences at the café. Recreational activities and mentorship opportunities further enrich students’ learning, fostering positive relationships and enhancing overall engagement.
Impact on Student Attendance
The VET Certificate II in Hospitality and the operation of Tanami Treats have had a remarkable impact on student attendance. For example, Edmond Gordon demonstrated increased motivation to attend school, resulting in a 23.20% rise in attendance from Term 1 to the VET Course period. Similarly, Lajamanu students Jonas Cook, Gerald Robbo-Driver, Tristan Robertson, and Oliver Scobie saw a collective improvement of 30.05% in attendance during Term 2, a notable achievement given the absence of a Secondary teacher during that period.
Challenges and Future Directions
Running Tanami Treats at Lajamanu School has not been without its challenges. The school’s remote location has posed difficulties in community engagement. To address this, Lajamanu School purchased a trailer to support the café. However, due to flooding, the trailer arrived only in May 2024 and is currently unsuitable for café operations. Despite this setback, there is optimism that the trailer’s issues will be resolved soon. In the meantime, students are excited about introducing the trailer to the community and are working collaboratively to set up efficient systems for its operation.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Tanami Treats has several key focuses:
1. **Local Leadership**: In August 2024, Wanta staff and students will obtain their barista certification as part of their CERT II in Hospitality. This will empower local staff to take on leadership roles in operating Tanami Treats.
2. **Increasing Opening Times**: With full support from Lajamanu School Leadership and teachers, efforts are underway to expand Tanami Treats’ opening times while balancing the shared use of the school space. Creative solutions will be essential to operate both the café and the CERT II in Hospitality course effectively.
Tanami Treats Café exemplifies how a community-focused initiative can drive educational and personal growth while addressing local needs. By continuing to evolve and adapt, Tanami Treats remains a cornerstone of both the students’ learning experiences and the broader Lajamanu community. Stay tuned for more updates as this inspiring enterprise project continues to thrive and make a positive impact on our students lives.
Written by Blake Romaker and Ruth Arnel.
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