Workshop Program :

Here’s a structured 5-day Barista Mtaani training program designed for aspiring baristas, covering foundational coffee knowledge, practical skills, and customer service. “Barista Mtaani” (Kiswahili for “Barista in the Neighborhood”) emphasizes local relevance, affordability, and community-focused coffee culture.

Day 1: Introduction to Coffee & Barista Basics

Objective: Understand coffee origins, equipment, and basic preparation.

  • Session 1: Coffee 101
    • Coffee plant types (Arabica vs. Robusta).
    • From bean to cup: Farming, processing, roasting.
    • Kenyan coffee spotlight.
  • Session 2: Barista Tools & Safety
    • Espresso machine parts, grinders, tampers.
    • Hygiene and workspace setup.
  • Practical: Grinding coffee, dosing, tamping (no machine yet).

Day 2: Mastering Espresso

Objective: Learn espresso extraction and troubleshooting.

  • Session 1: Espresso Theory
    • Ideal extraction (time, pressure, yield).
    • Recognizing under/over-extraction.
  • Session 2: Hands-On Espresso
    • Pulling shots, adjusting grind size, dose, and tamp.
    • Tasting espresso (bitter vs. sour).
  • Challenge: Dial in espresso for a “perfect shot.”

Day 3: Milk Techniques & Drinks

Objective: Master milk steaming and popular drinks.

  • Session 1: Milk Science & Steaming
    • Milk types, temperature, frothing techniques.
    • Stretching vs. texturing.
  • Session 2: Drink Recipes
    • Latte, cappuccino, flat white.
    • Local twists (e.g., Kahawa Chungu latte).
  • Practical: Latte art basics (hearts, rosettas).

Day 4: Customer Service & Business Skills

Objective: Build community-focused service and entrepreneurship.

  • Session 1: Barista-Customer Interaction
    • Handling orders, complaints, and recommendations.
    • Swahili coffee evaluation terms (“Kahawa ya rangi gani?”).
  • Session 2: Coffee Cart Economics
    • Costing, pricing, waste reduction.
    • Marketing tips for street setups.
  • Role-Play: Serving customers in a “kiosk” simulation.

Day 5: Practical Assessment & Celebration

Objective: Showcase skills and graduate!

  • Morning:
    • Espresso and milk drink practical test.
    • Speed and cleanliness challenge.
  • Afternoon:
    • Prepare coffee for guests (invite locals).
    • Certificates and “Barista Mtaani” graduation.

Program Schedule :

Here’s a structured 5-Day Barista Mtaani Program in a clear table format, including daily schedules, breaks, and session details:

Barista Mtaani 5-Day Training Program

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Daily 

DayTimeSessionActivity Details
Day 18:30 AM – 10:00 AMCoffee Basics & HistoryCoffee origins, types (Arabica/Robusta), Kenyan coffee industry.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AMTea Break
10:15 AM – 12:00 PMBarista Tools & SafetyEspresso machine parts, grinder use, hygiene practices.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PMLunch Break
1:00 PM – 3:00 PMHands-On Grinding & TampingPractice dosing, tamping, and grinding (no machine yet).
3:00 PM – 4:00 PMQ&A + Wrap-UpRecap, questions, and prep for Day 2.
Day 28:30 AM – 10:30 AMEspresso Theory & ExtractionIdeal shot parameters (time, pressure, yield), troubleshooting.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AMTea Break
10:45 AM – 12:30 PMPulling Espresso ShotsHands-on: Adjusting grind size, dose, and tasting shots.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PMLunch Break
1:30 PM – 3:30 PMDialing-In ChallengeTeams compete to dial in the “perfect shot.”
3:30 PM – 4:00 PMFeedback & DiscussionReview mistakes, tips for consistency.
Day 38:30 AM – 10:30 AMMilk Science & SteamingMilk types, frothing techniques, temperature control.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AMTea Break
10:45 AM – 12:30 PMLatte Art BasicsPracticing hearts and rosettas.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PMLunch Break
1:30 PM – 3:30 PMDrink Recipes (Local & Classic)Making lattes, cappuccinos, and Kenyan twists (e.g., spiced coffee).
3:30 PM – 4:00 PMTasting & FeedbackCompare drinks, adjust sweetness/texture for local tastes.
Day 48:30 AM – 10:30 AMCustomer Service & Swahili TermsRole-play: Taking orders, handling complaints, using local language.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AMTea Break
10:45 AM – 12:30 PMCoffee Cart Business SkillsPricing, waste reduction, marketing tips for street vendors.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PMLunch Break
1:30 PM – 3:30 PMKiosk SimulationTeams run a mock coffee stand (service, speed, cleanliness).
3:30 PM – 4:00 PMReview & Prep for Final Day
Day 58:30 AM – 10:30 AMPractical ExamEspresso and milk drink tests under time pressure.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AMTea Break
10:45 AM – 12:30 PMCommunity Service ChallengeServe free coffee to locals (practice real-world skills).
12:30 PM – 1:30 PMLunch Break
1:30 PM – 3:00 PMGraduation & CertificatesAwards, feedback, and celebration with coffee!