More than 20 women in Motalava are strengthening their cookery, food safety and hygiene skills as part of preparations to welcome visitors for Public Service Day.

The nine-day training is being delivered by the Vanuatu Institute of Technology with support from Pacific Australian Skills.

The training is designed to improve food safety and hygiene practices among homestay operators, food stall owners and community groups preparing to host visitors during Public Service Day.

It is also intended to give participants skills they can continue using to provide safe and quality food services to visitors beyond the event.

Cookery Skills Advisor and training facilitator Knox Taleo said participants are learning that good food preparation starts with personal hygiene and proper handling of food.

“Good standard preparation starts with personal hygiene. When you want to cook, you need to wear clean clothes, an apron and a hair net to protect the food. Participants are also learning how to prepare food properly and separate different types of food to prevent cross-contamination,” he said.

Mr Taleo also highlighted the risks associated with poor hygiene and incorrect food temperatures.

“Food needs to be kept hot when it is being served to guests. Sometimes food is served warm or cold, which can cause guests to become sick. When storing food, it needs to be kept in a freezer or refrigerator at the correct temperature to prevent bacteria from growing,” he said.

For participants, the training is also challenging some traditional food preparation practices.

Participant Grace Edmanley said the training had changed the way she thinks about preparing food.

“In remote areas, we normally prepare different foods together and cook them at the same time. But this training has taught me the importance of separating meat from other foods,” she said.

Another participant, Ellengie Boihillan, said the training is an important step towards improving the way they serve customers.

The training will conclude after nine days with participants receiving certificates for completing the programme.

The skills gained are expected to support participants during Public Service Day while also improving food safety and service standards for visitors in Motalava in the future.