![\"Students](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/IMG_3791_07693_tn_w600-1.jpg\")
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Some graduates choose to stay on as volunteers at the cafe.<\/p>\n
Saeyim said some learners enter the program with low literacy and numeracy skills but with support they thrive.<\/p>\n
“That doesn’t stop them to come to learn. They just need extra support to get there,” Saeyim said.<\/p>\n
“I feel very ‘wow’ when you get to witness from the first when people come and they’re growing their confidence and skills and good team environment.<\/p>\n
“We have a very good team culture here; we support each other. When see your colleagues and friends struggle, we also help.”<\/p>\n
Growing the cafe’s customer base is essential in ensuring that the program can continue financially.<\/p>\n
Cloverdale Community Centre wellbeing economy officer Alex Sullivan said the Lotus Cafe has dual functions.<\/p>\n
“One element is increasing economic participation through employment training, building confidence and getting experience for their resume, so we’re building that community’s capacity to participate,” Sullivan said.<\/p>\n
“Then also the affordable cafe offering creates a space for the community to connect and come together.”<\/p>\n
With the second cohort of students to learn at the cafe due to graduate soon, Saeyim is eager to see the cafe continue to grow.<\/p>\n
Lotus Cafe is run out of Cloverdale Community Centre and open Thursday and Friday during school terms.<\/p>\n
Check the centre’s website for up-to-date opening hours.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A Corio cafe is preparing students for the workforce while providing affordable meals for the community. Cloverdale Community Centre’s Lotus Cafe is the practical training ground for participants in the centre’s government-subsidised Learn Local hospitality course. Students complete six weeks of training, learning kitchen operations and customer service in a real cafe environment. The cafe […]<\/p>\n