Understanding Culture Through Food: Youth Try African and Caribbean Cooking
Understanding Culture Through Food: Youth Try African and Caribbean Cooking
The Thrive-4-Blacks Youth Culinary Festival was a vibrant celebration of food, culture and community. This two-day event brought together local youth from diverse backgrounds to learn culinary skills from experienced chefs.
The Thrive-4-Blacks Youth Culinary Festival, held on June 28 and 29 at DIVERSEcity Surrey Community Campus was a vibrant celebration of food, culture and community. This two-day event brought together 20 local youth, aged 9-19, from diverse backgrounds, offering them a unique opportunity to develop culinary skills while exploring the vibrant flavours of African and Caribbean cuisines.
Participants were divided into three teams and guided by chefs, Cullin David (Calabash Bistro), Nicholas Simon (Maureen Simon Foods) and Ekaose Mon-John Nwadiani (VanSuya). Each team selected their ingredients, prepared their cooking stations, and learned the techniques and methods to create dishes such as Nigerian Jollof rice and Akara, Ghanaian Jollof rice, and Jamaican hot pepper soup, among others. As they cooked, they also delved into the rich history and cultural significance of each dish. The event was inclusive of all skill levels, offering valuable knowledge and hands-on experience that enriched each participant’s understanding of both cooking and culture.
Chef Andrew George, Director of Truth and Reconciliation at SkilledTradesBC participated as a judge and spoke to the students about his own journey as an Indigenous person and his path to becoming a Red Seal Chef. “Apprentices are walking into a whole new culinary world nowadays.” Andrew shared. “The most important message I can give is to be proud of who you are and your heritage. You have a rightful place at the table, and if you like cooking, this is your opportunity to showcase your culture on the plate!”
With over 40 years of experience, Chef Andrew highlighted how French techniques have shaped modern cooking standards and practices. However, in recent years, there has been a notable shift towards embracing diverse global cuisines and cultural influences, underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion not only in cooking – but in all aspects of life.
In addition to culinary experience, participants learned about the broader world of skilled trades. SkilledTradesBC staff connected with students, answered their questions, and provided guidance to those interested in exploring the trades and apprenticeship pathway.
“We want to make sure youth from all backgrounds have an opportunity to learn about skilled trades and do it in a fun hands-on way,” shared Maureen Phung, Manager of Youth Programs at SkilledTradesBC. The event was a huge success, with participants leaving energized and many expressing a desire to pursue careers as chefs or to further their education in cooking.
Thrive-4-Blacks Community Services Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting Black communities through various initiatives including educational programs, cultural events, and community-building activities. Their mission focuses on fostering opportunities for youth and promoting cultural awareness, and they play a significant role in organizing events like this festival to empower the next generation.
SkilledTradesBC is proud to support community programs and initiatives that empower young people and other equity-deserving groups to explore rewarding skilled trades careers. With nearly 90 trades to choose from in B.C., there is something for everyone in the skilled trades.
[Photos above courtesy of Thrive-4-Blacks Community Services Society]
