African Milling School
On September 23, 2024, we celebrated a significant milestone at the African Milling School as 18 students graduated from this year's Apprentice Miller class (APM8). After two years of relentless effort and determination, these students can now proudly hold their certificates, marking both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in their careers. A round of applause to all of them.
Vivienne Koch, December 2024
The ceremony was a moving experience, filled with heartfelt speeches that resonated with everyone present. We were honored by the presence of special guests, including members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board. Some of our valued customers and industry guests also joined, adding to the day's joyous energy.
Priscilla Bakalian, our Head of the African Milling School, spoke warmly about the school, the remarkable journey, and the exceptional achievements of the students. Johannes Wick, CEO Business Grains & Food, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and continuous growth in one's career. A former student, now a milling consultant at AIT Ingredients, Joy Mwangi, shared her impressive career journey post-graduation, providing invaluable insights and encouragement drawn from her own experiences and learnings during her time at the African Milling School under the leadership of Martin Schlauri.
This year's class president, Suliman Al Saqri, also took to the stage, to pay a touching tribute to the hard work and dedication of both students and teachers. "Reflecting on our journey, let's thank our dedicated teachers, who inspired us to think critically, embrace challenges, and believe in ourselves. We carry your lessons with us as we step into the future," he said.
In keeping with our cherished Nairobi tradition, the day culminated with the planting of a tree for the graduating class. This symbolic act honors the seeds of knowledge that have been sown and nurtured over the past two years. These trees stand as living testaments to the growth and potential within each graduate, promising to grow into robust trees and potentially an entire forest one day. This ritual underscores our commitment to sustainability and the ongoing growth of our students.
The day was a colorful celebration of achievements, unity, and the bright future that awaits our graduates. As they leave, they carry with them not only the technical skills and knowledge obtained but also the mutual respect, friendships, and the vibrant spirit fostered during their time at the African Milling School.
We are especially proud of our top three students this year, whose dedication clearly showed in their outstanding results achieved:
“Those 2 years at AMS have been an incredible journey of learning this remarkably interesting field milling, I am beyond excited to graduate in apprentice milling and meeting millers around Middle east and Africa was a rewarding experience. Now I am eager to bring the energy we had in the AMS between us millers to my country Ethiopia and make an impact in modernization of milling. My key goals are to focus on installation and commissioning of machines and milling plants, I also aim to improve the productivity and quality of flour working with our customers. Kudos to you who ensures that every grain fulfils its purpose.”
“Graduating from the African Milling School (APM 8) has been a rewarding journey for me, with the best experience being hands-on learning alongside industry professionals. I’m especially proud of mastering advanced milling techniques as well as laboratory and baking test analyses and I highly recommend this course to anyone or any organization passionate about continuous improvement in the grain industry as it provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills. Moving forward, I aim to apply my expertise to new opportunities that drive innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement in the field.”
Since its opening in 2015, over 1,500 students have trained at the African Milling School. Students come from over 25 countries including Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Azerbajian, Pakistan, Oman, Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Ghana, Cameroun, Guinea, Senegal, Lebanon, and Jordan. Courses are offered in English and French, and include Wheat Milling, Feed Milling, Maize Milling, Baking Technology and Flour Lab, Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance, Optical Sorting. So far, over 120 Bühler employees also participated in courses at the African Milling School.
Watch the video and be inspired by the vibrant spirit of our graduates.
Gupfenstrasse 5
Uzwil
9240
Switzerland
