A refugee-led cookery school is to open its doors in London

The refugee charity Migrateful has announced the grand opening of its new cookery school, with classes all taught by refugee chefs.

Lessons will be a “cultural voyage,” said the organisation, where participants will be able to learn how to cook authentic recipes from another country while hearing refugee chefs tell their stories of migration. 

Guests can expect to cook food from 25 different cuisines, from Syrian stews to Bengali street food.

The charity said: “The school provides a place of belonging for refugees who often feel displaced – a second home away from home… many of the refugee chefs have escaped from war-torn countries, sex-trafficking or honour-based violence.”

A fundraising campaign to establish the school attracted more than 800 backers, with a notable contribution of £45,000 as part of the Mayor of London’s ‘Make London’ programme.

On the initiative, Jules Pipe, deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and skills for London told CODE:

“The mayor and I believe our communities have some fantastic ideas on how to emerge from the pandemic and bring our city together. We’re proud to support this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the local community.”

Classes are open to the public and available to book starting 25 October at migrateful.org/classes

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