A young Bethelsdorp woman’s lifelong dream of becoming a professional chef hangs in the balance as her family struggles to raise the R90,000 needed for culinary school tuition.
Ammaarah Speckmann (19) has harboured aspirations of becoming a chef since she was seven years old, but financial constraints threaten to derail her ambitions just as applications open for the February intake at culinary school.
With unemployment rife in the metro, she is determined to rise above the challenges that youth currently face.
“My 19-year-old daughter would love to further her studies and open up her own halaal restaurant and coffee shop,”says her father, Ajmal Speckmann. “She hasn’t completed her matric but did Islamic studies, and she is busy working on her matric. She has, however, completed an introductory bakery course.”
Ammaarah currently works full-time from 09:00 to 17:00 whilst taking baking orders to support herself and contribute to the family’s efforts to raise funds for her education.
Despite these efforts, the family falls short of the substantial fees required for professional chef training.
“She always wanted to be a baker since the age of 7,” Ajmal shared. “And at school, she would dress as a chef. It was always her dream to be a business owner, and with the employment rate so low, she is inspired by empowering women.”
The cost of pursuing professional chef registration stands at R16,000 for registration alone, with an additional R90,000 required for the year’s tuition – a sum that remains out of reach for the family of six.
Ammaarah’s passion for baking and cooking has grown considerably since completing a five-week basic baking course in 2024.
She now regularly bakes for parties and special occasions, whilst her 17-year-old sister assists by selling baked goods at local markets she hosts.
“Her 17-year-old sister goes to markets and makes a big initiative to assist each other; both have big dreams,” Ajmal explained.
The family has applied for youth funding through the municipal offices but faces lengthy delays due to application backlogs.
“We do not have the means to send her to culinary school,” Ajmal admitted. “We are pushing every month; we are doing what we can so that she can get what she needs.”
Despite their financial struggles, the Speckmann family maintains a strong commitment to community service.
“We are a family of six and we do things together with the help of our creator,” Ajmal said.
The family has organised fundraising events to support Ammaarah’s educational goals, with upcoming fundraisers scheduled for 30 November at Fairview Sports Ground and a Ladies’ Gala event at the Humewood Hotel on 14 December.
“Her love for baking and cooking has increased immensely, and she would love to travel the world to experience different kinds of culinary schools and skills,” her father added.
With culinary school set to begin in February, time is running short for the ambitious teenager whose childhood dreams of donning a chef’s uniform may finally become reality with community support.
Anyone wishing to attend the fundraising events can contact Ajmal Speckmann on 072 344 3792.
