A QUOTA International life skills community program was completed on Saturday with the final of the 2014 Chef de Quota at Cannonvale Tafe.

Ten students had shopped, budgeted and cooked their way to a more positive view of themselves and life.

Most of the students have some special need but all proved that with some encouragement and mentoring that they can achieve great things, which in turn leads to self-esteem and confidence.

The theme for Saturday was Mad Hatters Tea party with costumes of Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and mice along with all forms of hats which set the scene for a fun but productive morning of cooking under the direction of TAFE North's Head Chef Brad Clark.

The session was inspired by reality television show MasterChef.

Students baked boiled, cut, rolled and polished to produce restaurant standard dishes by noon when a bell was run and they were told to "step away from the benches".

Event organiser Jill Farinelli said it was amazing to see the personal growth in each and every student.

"It was overwhelming and emotional seeing how far all had come in such a very short period of time. Not only were the students proud of their own achievements but their family and friends witnessed the dishes that they produced and saw them shine," she said.

All students received a package of cooking utensils, knives and bowls along with some amazing handmade trophies by Eddie Gray.

Quota International is a non-profit organization empowering women, children, the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired in local communities around the world. They believe that the program is a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of those involved.

RESULTS

Manner of working competently: Cody McCarthy and Cody Brown

Best Budgeter: Sarah Schultz and Tegan Read

Hygiene and Cleanliness: Alex Sfadianakis and Matthew Scholtz

Best Team: Alex Borlase and Madeleine Gray

Most Enthusiastic: Jeny Bornholm and Charlie Bell