Submitted by: Julia Minnear
Summary
I want to improve social integration in neighbourhoods by setting up a skills-swap scheme for women. 'Cooking and Conversation' will allow marginalised migrant women to teach their native dishes to English-speaking women, in exchange for English conversation over a shared meal. The scheme will take place in safe, neutral environment, such as schools or community centres. It will be an opportunity for both sides to learn a little more about each culture, and to create friendships over food.
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Comments on this entry
28-Oct-2009 4.57PM Iso, Devon Says...
Yes, do it!!
28-Oct-2009 12.24PM Gbemi Says...
I know of a group in my area who do something similar with bread making from different cultures....what better way to bring cultures together than eating and talking!!!
Inspired idea.
Best wishes
27-Oct-2009 3.53PM Rebecca Says...
Fantastic!
26-Oct-2009 10.13PM James Says...
This is an excellent idea. It's great that everyone involved will learn something new.
26-Oct-2009 2.08PM Joanne Rich Says...
Even though i can't cook [!!] i loved the sound of this project as i can talk [!!] and i think an experience like this could teach everyone involved so much! great idea!
26-Oct-2009 11.14AM Mhairi Weir Spitalfields City Farm Says...
This sounds such a great project and can we help???
26-Oct-2009 1.12AM Venetia Says...
I think this is a wonderful idea and I hope Julia gets the chance to implement it for real. It is a simple idea which if successful could be easily replicated in cities all across the UK.
25-Oct-2009 6.13PM Eleanor Halsall Says...
What a wonderfully inspired idea.
25-Oct-2009 12.52PM Jackie Nunns Says...
I agree with all the comments, but would like to add that this is a winning combination of the authentic experience that many of us crave, available in bite-sized chunks of time. I'd definitely sign up.
And happily cook Cornish pasties.....
23-Oct-2009 5.41PM Gina Says...
Sounds like a brilliant project
23-Oct-2009 4.55PM Luis Martinez Says...
Julia's project sounds like an extremely exciting project to bring communities together and have a real impact on positive social change.
23-Oct-2009 10.34AM Jason Quin Says...
This is a wonderful idea that attempts to challenge several issues at once, very innovative and most importantly, very simple. Nothing brings people together like food. Take a look at the activities of a group called Arbor, working in the Tower Hamlets area of London.
23-Oct-2009 9.33AM Jennifer Farrant Says...
THis is an excellent idea - teaching skills in a social setting is a fantastic way to transfer knowledge. This project will break down social barriers by removing the fear of the 'unknown' and possibly even promote friendship across communities.
It toally deserves to win .
Jen
www.darkpurplemoon.wordpress.com
23-Oct-2009 7.37AM Moira Macdonald Says...
cooking, eating and sharing meals together - there is no better way of establishing trust and understanding. This is a wonderful idea, and works for every woman at every level of income because it uses what we already do. Superb.
23-Oct-2009 1.07AM paul taylor Says...
i think that her ideas are new and foreward looking.
22-Oct-2009 9.32PM Alana Furst Says...
What a fantastic idea. This would be highly beneficial to many communities and i can see it having a really positive impact. Good Luck :o)
22-Oct-2009 9.25PM Sally Jackson Says...
briliant idea, women learning from and supporting each other whilst building community co hesion - gets my vote!
22-Oct-2009 8.48PM Angela McGoran Says...
In most cultures, sharing ideas and chatting over a meal can solve many problems and bond most friendships. I think this is a fantastic idea. What starts in a neutral base will undoubtedly progress to coffee shops,restaurants and homes. Food is a great equaliser and many immigrant communities can offer so much to the rather bland diet that most of us dish out to our families. A great idea.
22-Oct-2009 8.21PM Lucy Traves Says...
I think this is a fantastic idea. Food is always the bedrock of culture and conversation.
Lucy
22-Oct-2009 7.42PM Sarah Jones Says...
Excellent idea Julia, I wish you ever success.
22-Oct-2009 6.50PM Diane Marshall Says...
I think that this is a fabulous idea. Count me in.
22-Oct-2009 5.36PM Sarah Cody Says...
It sounds great. Good luck xxxxx
22-Oct-2009 5.06PM Diana Says...
Fabulous idea...go girl!
22-Oct-2009 5.05PM Ann Jackson Says...
A great idea, it is the women in a migrant situation who are most isolated and therefore the least confident in mixing socially, this would be a very useful project indeed.
22-Oct-2009 3.55PM lynn gregory Says...
Sounds like an excellent idea.
22-Oct-2009 3.54PM clare Says...
such a good idea! especially in areas like SE london
22-Oct-2009 3.45PM Brigid Hayward Says...
Good luck!
22-Oct-2009 3.29PM Jessica Says...
great way to meet new people and connect diverse neighborhoods with a knock on effect to create community spirit.
22-Oct-2009 3.13PM Cate Willoughby Says...
This is a really inspiring and exciting idea - supporting marginalised members of our society. Definitely should win!
22-Oct-2009 2.50PM Julia BREMBLE Says...
Fantastic idea which will surely improve understanding and integration in this country. xx
22-Oct-2009 1.43PM Terry McClintock Says...
Sounds like a great idea, but what about the men who also cook?
22-Oct-2009 12.31PM Nina Lambert Says...
Brilliant idea - hope it does well
22-Oct-2009 12.26PM Candice Van Eeden Says...
Awsome project! Food is social and breaks down barriers and will definately inject the community with positivity and warmth Thumbs up!
22-Oct-2009 12.24PM Megan Says...
Sounds like a really nice project. How long will it last? I'd be more interested in supporting a long running project than a short term event.
22-Oct-2009 11.47AM Kate Metcalf Says...
It looks like a fantastic project. I really hope that you win! Good luck.
22-Oct-2009 10.11AM Plum Says...
Sounds like a great idea Julia! Hope you get the chance to get it started. :)
22-Oct-2009 9.35AM penney poyzer Says...
fantastic idea, very simple and very practical and easy to replicate. This draws women together - the group who will be most affected by climate change. This is wonderful.
22-Oct-2009 9.19AM Barbara Perkins Says...
Anything that brings people together in a friendly environment to learn different cultures and ways of living must be a good thing. It's a pity leaders all over the world can't do more of it!
22-Oct-2009 8.50AM Magda Foster Says...
We all like good food and a chat! Fabulous idea. Best of Luck.
22-Oct-2009 7.32AM Peter Alcock Says...
Great idea
22-Oct-2009 7.17AM Alexandra Stubbings Says...
What a beautiful idea
21-Oct-2009 10.57PM Carmen Says...
Well done Julia and good luck!
21-Oct-2009 10.49PM Anita Kolaczynska Says...
What a wonderful idea,wishing you every success,this really deserves to succeed,benefiting all involved from so many angles.
21-Oct-2009 10.40PM Julia B Says...
I love it!!! Go Julia :-) xxx
21-Oct-2009 9.57PM ayan Says...
i like it!
21-Oct-2009 8.55PM Bernadette Vallely Says...
You could put a cookbook of the recipies on the web afterwards for more women to share. Great Idea Julia, Well Done!
21-Oct-2009 6.48PM Helen, London Says...
An excellent idea. I teach French in informal settings and work and volunteer with women's organisations, and I think this initiative would be very popular.
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