How do cooking classes help women learn English in Lancashire?

Sanctuary Cookalongs in Preston uses food-based workshops where women from diverse backgrounds teach each other traditional dishes, creating an informal and supportive environment for language learning and skill development.

What is the goal of Sanctuary Cookalongs in Preston?

The organization aims to help underrepresented women upskill, improve their English, boost confidence, take care of their health, and settle into the Preston community by valuing their skills and building networks.

What makes the Sanctuary Cookalongs program unique?

The program encourages participants to teach each other their traditional dishes, fostering cultural exchange and a sense of family, while also providing opportunities for them to facilitate classes and offer their skills to the community.

Home / Lifestyle / Food Classes Spice Up English Skills

Food Classes Spice Up English Skills

27 Apr

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Summary

Local cooking classes are helping immigrant women improve their English skills.
Participants share traditional dishes, fostering cultural exchange and community.
The initiative aims to upskill women, boost confidence, and aid integration.

A cooking class in Lancashire has become a cornerstone for immigrant women seeking to improve their English language proficiency and integrate into the local community. Sanctuary Cookalongs, based in Preston, runs weekly food-based workshops that offer a unique approach to language learning. Participants, hailing from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey, share their traditional cuisines in a supportive environment.

This initiative, established in 2021 by Jen Rankin, not only enhances participants' English skills but also boosts their confidence and encourages them to upskill. The program emphasizes valuing individuals for their unique talents and building a strong community network. Women like Denisa Theodorescu, who moved from Romania a decade ago, have found the classes to be the most effective way to improve their English and develop teaching abilities. The communal aspect, where women share meals and laughter, creates a family-like atmosphere, as noted by long-term resident Abida Kabir, who moved from Pakistan over 40 years ago.