Universal Foundation Sponsors Culinary Arts Students at Villa College

Villa College and Universal Foundation have formed a new partnership to offer ten full scholarships for students enrolling in the Certificate III in Culinary Arts program, which begins this September. This initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), represents a significant opportunity for aspiring chefs in the Maldives.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector of Villa College, and Iyaz Waheed, President of Universal Foundation. Under this agreement, Universal Foundation will fully sponsor ten students, covering all tuition costs for the culinary program. In addition, the foundation will collaborate with Villa College to enhance the program’s visibility and attract more students.
Iyaz Waheed highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Culinary arts is a field that has a significant gap in local talent in the Maldives, and we hope to contribute to developing future culinary professionals.”

Universal Foundation, funded by Universal Enterprises and Universal Resorts, is known for its commitment to human development and community care projects in the Maldives. The foundation frequently collaborates with both governmental and non-governmental organizations to expand opportunities for Maldivians.

The collaboration aims to address the shortage of skilled culinary professionals in the country by providing educational opportunities to talented individuals who may not have the financial means to pursue their culinary ambitions. The scholarships will cover the full cost of the Certificate III in Culinary Arts program, which is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in various culinary techniques and practices.

Villa College will release further details about the scholarship application process and eligibility criteria in the coming days. This partnership not only supports individual students but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing the local hospitality industry by cultivating skilled professionals.

The scholarships mark a significant step forward in fostering local talent and enhancing the culinary landscape in the Maldives, reflecting a shared commitment to education and professional development between Villa College and Universal Foundation.