Supported by the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation, Mahbooba turned her passion for baking into a pathway for success. Today, she is building her skills, winning industry competitions and working towards her dream of opening her own business.

Mahbooba had previously tried many different courses, including pathology, accounting, legal studies, and bookkeeping. However, her true passion has always been baking. So, she decided to enrol in a course to pursue her dream of creating and selling delicate sweets infused with the flavours of her native Afghanistan.

While the Certificate III in Patisserie was beyond Mahbooba's financial reach, a scholarship from the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation made it possible for her to enrol at Chisholm and pursue the career she was passionate about.

"The scholarship supported me significantly, as I would not have been able to afford the course without it," Mahbooba said.

It was in the Certificate III in Patisserie Mahbooba first discovered her passion for sugar art design. She found joy in crafting sugar flowers and delicate leaves, intricate sculptures and flowing icing ribbons. She also began weaving Middle Eastern flavours and ingredients into her creations.

During her course, the COVID lockdowns had a significant impact on her mental health. To deal with stress, Mahbooba spent more time in the kitchen creating elaborate wedding cakes, birthday sweets and delicate pastries, all decorated with sugar art.

It was here that Mahbooba mastered her technique and along with support from her teachers and classmates, Mahbooba has proudly participated in several patisserie competitions.

Mahbooba’s competitive baking journey began with a bronze medal at the Victorian TAFE Competition. She went on to win first prize at the Royal Melbourne Show in only her second competition and later claimed first prize in both the Dolly Varden and Wedding Cake categories at the Dandenong Show, where she was named Reserve Champion.

Her talent and dedication were also recognised at the 2024 Chisholm Education Awards, where she was selected as a finalist in the Vocational Student of the Year category.

Since completing her Certificate III in Patisserie, Mahbooba has continued to build on her success.

Mahbooba says "the opportunity [the foundation provided] to study continues to motivate me to push forward in my career."

She is now studying towards a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Chisholm and recently represented the Institute at the AUSTAFE Culinary Competition, where she was awarded a silver medal in the non-apprentice category.

Looking ahead, Mahbooba hopes to open her own business as a wedding cake decorator and publish a recipe book, celebrating the fusion of Middle Eastern and Australian sweets.

Her advice to anyone considering further education?

"Don't worry about what people say, do what you love!"

Mahbooba's journey highlights the power of passion, determination and opportunity. With support from the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation, she developed her skills and confidence, paving the way for success in both the classroom and competition.

CCEF scholarship recipient Mahbooba
"Thank you for making my dream more achievable."

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