We wrapped up the first two batches of Barista Course as part of Lha’s Livelihood Skill Training program on May 31, 2023. The duration of the course for teaching theory and practical was one month. The seven students in each batch are taught for straight three hours per day by Karma Jigme, an experienced and certified Barista.

Karma Jigme explained that the students were introduced to over 35 basic café beverages and with the setup of three coffee machines in the training room, students received a great deal of hands-on machine training. “Since this is my second year as a trainer, I definitely had an easier journey than last year,” said Jigme.

Tenzin Monlam, a student who came from Shimla to take part in this training said that the most beneficial thing about this course was the access to all the training equipment and he rated his experience as good because the course involved many practical aspects. He would like to work in this field after his internship.

Another student, Tenzin Jangchup from Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement in South India, shared that he is going back to his settlement to do the internship. What he liked about the training was the opportunity to do lots of practical learning.

Following the classroom training, the students are required to do another month of internship in cafes to gain professional experience.