Setting the stage
Chief Duliye Cooking Company, in partnership with the Shaqo platform, conducted a cooking training in Mogadishu. This training targeted 30 young trainees, aiming to equip them with a wide range of cooking skills, knowledge, and confidence. The program went beyond basic cooking techniques, emphasizing safety, nutrition, creativity, and even cultural appreciation and sustainability.
“This isn’t just about learning to cook; it’s about empowering these young people with skills that will benefit them for a lifetime, in the kitchen and beyond.“
Unpacking the issues
- Skills Gap: There’s a need for skilled cooks and individuals with culinary expertise in Mogadishu.
- Employment Opportunities: Cooking skills can open doors to employment in the food service industry.
- Nutritional Awareness: There’s a need for greater awareness of nutrition and healthy cooking practices.
- Youth Empowerment: The training provided an opportunity to empower young people with valuable life skills.
- Safety and hygiene: Emphasizing the importance of safety and hygiene practices.
The Transformation
The cooking training, delivered by Chief Duliye Cooking Company with Shaqo platform support, provided a comprehensive and multifaceted approach:
- Skill Development: Focused on enhancing culinary skills, including knife skills, food preparation, cooking methods, and presentation.
- Knowledge Acquisition: Provided a deep understanding of cooking fundamentals, ingredient selection, flavor combinations, and techniques.
- Safety and Hygiene Emphasis: Prioritized safe food handling, storage, sanitation, and accident prevention.
- Nutritional Education: Educated participants on food values, portion control, and healthy ingredient choices.
- Creativity and Adaptability: Encouraged experimentation, adaptation to dietary needs, and use of seasonal ingredients.
- Confidence Building: Utilized hands-on practice, feedback, and positive reinforcement to build confidence.
- Cultural Exploration: Introduced diverse culinary traditions and cuisines.
- Community Building: Fostered a supportive learning environment for sharing knowledge and experiences.
- Sustainability Focus: Raised awareness of sustainable food practices, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction.
- Long-Term Behavior Change: Aimed to encourage cooking at home, healthy eating, and enjoyment of the cooking process.
Measuring Impact
- Enhanced Culinary Skills: Participants gained practical skills in various aspects of cooking.
- Increased Knowledge: Trainees acquired a comprehensive understanding of cooking principles and practices.
- Improved Safety Habits: Participants learned and practiced essential safety and hygiene procedures.
- Greater Nutritional Awareness: Trainees gained knowledge about healthy eating and making informed food choices.
- Boosted Confidence: The training built confidence in participants’ cooking abilities.
- Potential for Employment: The acquired skills increase employability in the food service sector.
- Community Building: Participants were able to share their skills and knowledge
- Long term Behaviour change: The training encourages participants to cook healthy meals at home
The Big Lesson
The Chief Duliye Cooking Company training, supported by the Shaqo platform, exemplifies the power of comprehensive skills training in empowering youth. By going beyond basic cooking techniques and addressing nutrition, safety, creativity, and even sustainability, the program provides participants with valuable life skills and enhances their employment prospects. This case highlights the importance of holistic training approaches that equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in various aspects of their lives, both personally and professionally. The emphasis on long-term behavior change underscores the program’s commitment to fostering sustainable positive outcomes.