Cultural Kitchen celebrates Refugee Week
Last Friday, we celebrated the pre-launch of Refugee Week
and the Cultural Kitchen reaching its 9th birthday.
Happy Birthday CK!
Having started as a pilot way back in 2003, the Cultural Kitchen remains an established and important meeting place for refugees living in Plymouth. This is true now for those coming in 2012 as it was for those needing a safe place back in 2003. Many of those volunteering and cooking today were there when we started and now offer a welcome to those wanting to get involved today.
Over 90 people attended the session last Friday. The atmosphere was vibrant, alive and full of energy. Most came to the Kitchen as this is their regular space to socialise and share a meal and catch up with friends. Some came representing other organisations in Plymouth; The Red Cross, DCRS, The Salvation Army, South West Lakes Trust, Plymouth Migrant Communities Together (PMCT), Hope FC to celebrate the community coming together for the start of refugee week 2012 .
The organisers of Refugee Week, PMCT and Hope FC, were there to promote other events happening over the next 7 days which included the official launch on Saturday with a football festival at Brickfields sports centre.
Also, we were especially delighted that Oliver Coleville (MP) accepted our invitation to attend. Our intention was for him to see the possibilities and positive energy that refugees bring to Plymouth. He spent 45mins talking with community members and getting a good feel for the work that START does in Plymouth.
The children had their faces painted turning them into a whole menagerie of exotic animals and butterflies, whilst a frantic table tennis tournament was in full swing. At 7.30pm the food was served. an excellent menu mixing our usual cultural fare with the taste of the Congo - Lamb curry, chilied vegetarian lasagna, Cassava leaves with sardines and semolina. All very tasty and enjoyed by all.
The next Kitchen will be on:
29th June 2012
