Food is a language of connection, a way to share stories, and a tool for bringing people together. Within the SOULFood Erasmus+ project, we focus on empowering migrant women by creating spaces where they can share their culinary knowledge, strengthen their confidence, and engage with the local community. Through cooking, we foster inclusion, cultural exchange, and mutual learning, helping both migrants and locals find common ground around food.
At the same time, these sessions go beyond social engagement, they serve as a pathway toward economic empowerment. By developing an Educational Pathway at the end of the project, we aim to support migrant women in acquiring skills that enhance their access to the labor market. Through hands-on experience in community-led cooking sessions, participants gain not only practical kitchen skills but also teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills that can open new professional opportunities.
By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, we ensure that migrant women not only find a sense of belonging but also gain valuable tools for their personal and professional growth.
As we move into 2025, we’re reminded of the power of coming together, sharing meals, exchanging stories, and finding common ground in the simple act of cooking. At the end of last year, Community Cooking and the Erasmus+ SOULFood project joined forces to breathe new life into the weekly Open Cooking Sessions.
Over time, participation in our Tuesday sessions (17:00–20:00) had started to decline, but this collaboration sparked something new. The sessions are now led by migrant women, who bring not only their favorite recipes but also their personal experiences, traditions, and culinary wisdom. More than just cooking, these gatherings have become a space to learn from each other, celebrate diversity, and build connections that go beyond the kitchen.
A Vibrant Start to 2025
In January, we kicked off the year with three incredible cooking sessions featuring Arabic, African, and Turkish cuisine. With the leadership of Wasan, Kamilia, Naida, Xabat, Abeer, Sarah, Abeer, Oluchi, Fawz, Ibtihel, Gizem, Naziha, and Yasemin, we welcomed 85 participants, newcomers as well as familiar faces.
Each session was a reminder of what makes community spaces so special: the chance to meet new people, to exchange ideas, and to create something meaningful together. At a time when it’s easy to feel disconnected, these gatherings have shown that sharing a meal can also be a way of sharing experiences, culture and laughter.
