Volha Kastsiuk

I work with a student with Down syndrome. My main focus is making sure he is fully included in the classroom's and the school activities. I started him on the structured literacy programme by Liz Kane and he progressed into Stage 5. I use a lot of digital tools (iPad, apps, calculator, keyboard) to help him with his progress. Also I help others student in the classroom when needed. In 2023, I was running Open Kitchen project where I thought students different age to cook simple meals from available products from the pantry and the garden. This year, I started the weekly basketball training with the different age student.

I was responsible for the Health and Beauty department, filling shelves, following the planograms, advising customers and doing the On Shelf Availability reports.

I was employed by Plough & Feather as a part of the initial team as they first opened in November 2019. I was tasked with setting up the barista work space to ensure a timely and safe delivery of coffee to the waiting staff. Having newly opened providing great customer service was absolutely essential. My duties were varied and included all barista duties, serving and clearing the tables, answering phone queries and taking bookings, excepting and processing the payments and meeting and greeting customers.

My main responsibilities at Café Lygon are insuring coffee and beverages are delivered to the highest possible standard, stock management, serving at the counter and others café’s duties (cleaning the tables, serving the food, helping others stuff members).

After qualifying from the Barista Skills Course, NorthTec, Whangarei I was employed by Café Zest as second barista. Within three months I became head barista. And with this I was responsible for managing stock and contributing to new ideas to support our ever changing coffee menu. Café Zest being a very popular café in Kerikeri attracted a lot of visitors and foreigners. For me this was an aspect I found very rewarding and satisfying. Having local regular customers returning daily for my coffee was also great feedback.

As a freelance journalist I wrote articles about travel and lifestyle for magazines and web-sites servicing Russian speaking people. An additional service I provided was to translate existing articles from English to Russian, and enhancing my work with original photographs and illustrations.

As Event Marketing Manager I reported directly to the General Manager. I had a team of four junior Event Marketing Coordinators reporting to me and I was responsible for their performance. Past clients included IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Zara, IKEA.

Key Responsibilities:

• research and develop a concept,
• plan and organize events, special trips, seminars, exhibitions and various advertising and festive events,
• draw up a detailed program of the event and describe the necessary means for implementing the program for that event,
• calculate an accurate detailed budget and present this to the client for their consideration,
• ensure all contractors fully understood their role in the event, and followed up as required,
• carry out constant communication with the client and immediately respond to changes during the preparation and the execution of the event,
• review the effectiveness of the event for continues improvement.

With my experience as an Event Manager I chose to work for several marketing magazines and web-sites specifically for the event industry. Through this I was able to share my experience with others and support the growing event industry in Russia.

As Office Manager I was responsible for the day to day running of a medium sized Event Company’s office. I reported directly to the CEO and had one office junior reporting to me. In September 2005 I was promoted to Event Marketing Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• to respond to mail, phone calls, faxes and enquires ensuring the appropriate person received the information,
• maintenance of the companies photocopier and printers,
• prepare draft letters in response to enquiries concerning the company's activities,
• maintain the companies client database and document archive,
• provide all material and technical support for meetings,
• organize business trips for employees by booking airline and rail tickets, and booking hotels,
• procure all office supplies and other inventory items,
• manage the companies vehicle fleet schedule ensuring serving and valeting were carried out as required.

While studying at Minsk University I supported myself working part time on a rostered basis at inner city café. My duties included food preparation, dish washing and kitchen cleaning.