16th December 2024
Catering students at the College were given a taste of Sweden during a ‘fika’ event, complete with presiding ‘Fikanista’, thanks to funding from the Savoy Educational Trust.
Visiting students from Sweden were invited to the event to provide a student perspective of Fika and were made to feel right at home during the homage to the daily Swedish tradition.
The afternoon fika session was held to celebrate International Education Week. For those who don’t have enough fika in their lives, it basically means to ‘have a coffee’, but the concept is about taking a break from what you are doing and connecting with others, be it colleagues, family or friends over a hot drink and a sweet treat.
It is customary for Swedes to have fika twice a day – morning and afternoon – when everyone takes a moment, coming together over a drink and a treat, to socialise and chat.
Visiting Swedish student visitors enjoying the fika event
Fika breaks are traditionally at least 15 to 20 minutes long, and this Paignton-based one was facilitated by a visiting ‘Fikanista’, Swedish-born Victoria Grimberg, whose business is all about finding the fika moments.
She gave an inspiring speech on why stopping for fika is an important ritual.
She said: “We had an amazing event at South Devon College, thanks to the Savoy Educational Trust. It was great to be here as guest speaker to introduce everyone to the Swedish tradition of coffee, cake and conversation.”
Most fika breaks involve treats, particularly a pastry called kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), chokladbollar (chocolate balls) and biscuits. On the menu at the College’s fika was Kladdkaka, the famous Swedish gooey chocolate cake, lovingly made by the catering students with input from ‘Fikanista’ herself. And it received the seal of approval from our international guests, with student Kasper Gladh declaring “the cake was good!”. Kajsa Jonsson agreed, saying: “I miss home, so it was nice to have a fika in England.”
It’s safe to say that the South Devon College students were all very enthusiastic and ready to embrace daily fika!
In student Kieran Blake’s opinion, “I think Fika should be implemented in every country because it helps strengthen bonds between employees and it’s good – make it become a tradition in England!”
Victoria Grimberg with Matt Harbour, Vice Principal at South Devon College, (left) and Matt Burrows, Assistant Principal (right)
The Swedish theme didn’t stop at the fika afternoon – the catering and hospitality students prepared a Swedish lunch, which involved researching authentic menus, including beef with beetroot. The themed lunch, in honour of International Education Week, coincided with Savoy Educational Trust funded guest speaking event.
David Wells, Lecturer in Hospitality Management at South Devon College, said: “It was good for them to develop their skills and knowledge whilst learning about different cultures and foods, and then presenting it to customers as a buffet. It was very successful.”
Matt Harbour, Vice Principal at South Devon College, commented: “Having visited Hudiksvall, Sweden, and experiencing fika firsthand, I can verify the benefits of fika on our wellbeing and it’s really good to see this initiative being taken up locally in Torbay.
“I highly recommend any businesses or organisations to consider taking up fika as part of their working lives. I am grateful to the Savoy Educational Trust for generously providing funding for us to be able to add value to our catering students’ programme here at the College.”
Not only is a fika a good reason to take a break from work or other commitments, it is also beneficial to mental health, as it forges connections and friendships. Student Macey Gooding said: “I think Fika is amazing and good for your mental health.”
Trevor Smee, Programme Co-ordinator for Tourism, Hospitality and Catering at South Devon College, agreed: “The students all think that fika is something we should incorporate in our culture and have contacted their tutors to implement this.
“The students have really engaged with the event and the concept of fika and they have done it brilliantly. They have been genuinely interested and very respectful through this learning experience.”
Student Kieran Blake summed up everyone’s thoughts when he said: “It gives me an excuse to eat chocolate!”
The event was made possible by the College’s funding from the Savoy Educational Trust, which was established by the registered charity for the ‘advancement and development of education, training and qualifications within the hospitality industry’, and which covers chef-related enrichment visits for the students.
