Program: European Solidarity Corps – ESC30-SOL Solidarity Projects
Project Leader: Association “Rozprawy o Europie”
Project Duration: January 2025 – December 2025
Project Description
The “Cultural Kitchen” project is an initiative aimed at integrating young people through culinary experiences and the shared exploration of the cultural richness of different nations. In the face of increasing social diversity and the need to strengthen intercultural dialogue, this project seeks to promote openness, tolerance, and cooperation among young people.
The planned events will allow participants not only to develop new culinary skills but also to gain a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and values of the European Union. Through workshops, meetings, and integration events, young people will have the opportunity to build relationships, foster intergenerational integration, break stereotypes, and broaden their perspective on cultural diversity.
“Cultural Kitchen” is a space for exchanging experiences, learning through action, and shaping social and civic attitudes among young people.
Project Goals
- Integration of young people through joint culinary and educational activities.
- Promoting openness and intercultural dialogue among participants.
- Developing culinary, organizational, and communication skills.
- Strengthening pro-ecological attitudes through education on sustainable cooking.
- Encouraging young people to engage in social activities and initiate their own projects.
Main Project Activities
- Culinary Workshops – A series of workshops where participants will explore various world cuisines, their histories, and cultural values. Each session will focus on a different region, and under the guidance of instructors, participants will prepare traditional dishes from that country. The workshops will also cover topics related to ecological cooking.
- Culinary Competition – Participants will be challenged to prepare dishes popular in the Świętokrzyskie region. Beyond culinary skills, the competition will also assess the history of the dish and its presentation. This will be an opportunity for fun, competition, and learning. The event will also include a special guest speaker who will share insights about the region’s culinary traditions.
- Integration Meetings – The project includes meetings where young people will have the opportunity to get to know each other better and understand the importance of social activism. A key aspect of these meetings will be the creation of video materials about culinary traditions and home recipes. These sessions will foster intergenerational bonds, as they will be filmed outdoors in collaboration with senior citizens. They will also highlight how food serves as a universal language that connects people.
- Workshops on Promotion and Social Media – To effectively promote the project and its values, young participants will learn how to utilize social media to share content related to culinary culture. The workshops will cover the basics of food photography, video content creation, and online promotional campaigns.
- Oxford Debate – A key component of the project will be an Oxford-style debate in which young participants will discuss the impact of cuisine on cultural identity, tradition, and contemporary challenges related to food globalization. This event will be preceded by preparatory workshops on argumentation techniques and structured discussions.
- Outdoor Workshops and Culinary Picnics – During the summer, the project will move to public spaces, where outdoor workshops will allow young people to integrate in an informal atmosphere. Participants will also document their experiences through video recordings.
- Online Festival – The project will conclude with an interactive online festival where participants will showcase holiday dishes through photos, videos, and descriptions. The festival will take the form of a competition, with winning entries receiving special recognition.
By joining the “Cultural Kitchen” project, participants will gain a unique opportunity to develop new culinary skills and enhance their social competencies. This will be a chance to learn about different cultures through food and traditions, fostering a deeper understanding of diversity and openness to the world. The project offers participation in inspiring workshops and integration events that will not only expand knowledge but also enable the formation of new relationships and collaboration with like-minded peers.
Through collective efforts towards openness and diversity, the project will contribute to building a community where food becomes a tool for connecting people. Additionally, each participant will receive a certificate confirming their involvement and acquired experiences. “Cultural Kitchen” is more than just cooking – it is a space for building community, strengthening solidarity, and promoting cultural diversity in everyday life.
