KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. COFFEE KNOWLEDGE IS SUPERPOWER.
THE SCHOOL OF FINE COFFEE ARTS & SUSTAINABILITY
Welcome to the School of Fine Coffee Arts & Sustainability, Victoria BC — a quiet, focused learning space inside a functioning café: fika, open after hours for students who want to grow their coffee craft with clarity and confidence. Each lesson is taught privately one-on-one by Coffee Artist & Mentor, Praveen, using a mindful, personalized, and sustainable teaching approach.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
PRAVEEN PONRAJ
Praveen is a coffee artist & educator. He brings a rare blend of engineering precision, patient mentorship, and deep coffee experience. He has taught a wide range of learners over the years — from engineers to school students building model aircrafts, from photography enthusiasts to new baristas stepping into the coffee world.
His teaching style is clear, encouraging, and grounded in real practice. Students describe feeling supported, unhurried, and safe to make mistakes — a space where learning becomes enjoyable and deeply meaningful.
Praveen’s work spans engineering, project management, climate action, photography, roasting, and running a coffee business. These experiences shape the School’s approach: thoughtful, skill-centered, and always connected to sustainability.
From student reviews
“Direct, easy to follow, and highly encouraging… I felt safe to ask questions without feeling embarrassed.”
“I can now confidently steam non-dairy milk and create beautiful latte art — with little to no waste.”
“Praveen is always present with students and genuinely excited to help people learn about coffee.”
THE SCHOOL OF FINE COFFEE ARTS & SUSTAINABILITY, VICTORIA, BC
WHO IS THIS SCHOOL FOR?
Coffee Enthusiasts
For anyone who loves coffee and wants to brew, taste, and understand it at a deeper level: both at personal enjoyment as well as to share the craft with friends and family
Aspiring Coffee Professionals
For those preparing to enter the coffee industry or dreaming of building their own café, roastery, or coffee-centered venture.
Creative Learners & Craft Seekers
For people who value mindful, hands-on instruction and want a calm space to learn coffee skills as an art form to meditate, create, and for self-exploration.
Cafés and Offices — Onsite Classes & Workshops
For teams in professional settings who want to fine-tune their coffee skills or simply enjoy creating and learning something together.
MINDFUL, STUDENT-CENTERED TEACHING MODEL
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
Assessment First
One size, never fits all. Your first session begins with a hands-on skill assessment and a conversation about your goals and expectations.
One-on-One Mentorship
Private, quiet, and distraction-free lessons tailored entirely to you.
Mindful Learning Environment
Teaching at the pace that suits you — spacious, patient, and grounded.
Real Café Environment
Training happens inside an operating café after closing hours. This gives you hands-on experience with real commercial equipment and workflow.
As your confidence grows, you may choose to go further. Advanced students can run the bar during regular open hours — under Praveen’s guidance — to gain valuable real-world experience with real customers and real café flow.
OPTIONAL - AVAILABLE ONLY TO STUDENTS WHO DEMONSTRATE READINESS
ADVANCED PRACTICUM TRACK
The Advanced Practicum Track is a unique, immersive experience for students who want to apply their skills in a real café setting.
What This Track Includes
Operating behind the bar during open hours
Serving real guests under supervision
Private hosting of your friends & family at the school under supervision
Learning timing, consistency, communication, and workflow
Building confidence in a professional environment
Eligibility
Students must demonstrate skill, responsibility, and readiness during earlier sessions.
HOW TO BEGIN
1. Book Your First Session
Use the online booking link to select a time that works for you.
2. Skill Assessment
Your first lesson includes defining your pathway, learning goals, and jumping straight into practice.
3. Hands-On Training
Sessions take place inside the café in a calm, focused environment.
4. Continued Growth
You may add more sessions, explore advanced techniques, or join the Practicum Track.
PRICING DETAILS & LOCATION
All training takes place at Fika, 1329 Cook St, Victoria, after the café closes. The price includes equipment usage, ingredients supplied by Fika, and personalized instruction. We believe financial barriers should never stop anyone from pursuing art — please talk to us if you need assistance.
Coffee Artisan Mentorship Session Fee & Packages
Single 30-minute session — $60
3-Session Bundle — $170
6-Session Bundle — $320
9-Session Bundle — $460
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
COFFEE KNOWLEDGE IS SUPERPOWER
As coffee hobbyists and/or professionals, we are responsible for ensuring our industry's sustainability. This requires making socially and environmentally responsible decisions while crafting delicious coffee-tasting experiences. All our professional trainings and workshops will aim to reverse global warming with Climate Wave Coffee Solutions as a guide.