The project Cuisine of the world has become established as an educational and experiential initiative that allows people to discover different cultures through gastronomy. This week, the cooking workshop of Badalona Occupational Center has stopped at Italy, in a new edition of a proposal that transforms the kitchen into a space for coexistence, learning and inclusion.
The dynamics of the project are based on the active participation of the boys and girls in the workshop, who choose a country, research its culture and cuisine, and create a mural with images and information collected by themselves. The process culminates with a visit from a person from the chosen country, who shares with the group the preparation of a typical recipe. As a token of gratitude, the participants give him an apron painted by themselves.
On this occasion, Italian cuisine has been the protagonist, but since the beginning of the project the group has already traveled much of the world through the kitchens, with recipes inspired by countries such as Chile, Japan, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, Venezuela, India or Argentina, others.
Learning, autonomy and participation
Beyond the culinary experience, Cuisine of the world provides very significant benefits for people with complex neurodevelopmental disorders, cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities. The project encourages active participation, stimulates curiosity and discovery of the environment, and reinforces cognitive, communicative and social skills. It also promotes personal autonomy, teamwork, creativity and emotional expression, while offering opportunities to exercise fine motor skills, planning and attention in a functional and motivating context.
A proposal that promotes inclusion and self-esteem
In addition, the proposal generates spaces for relationships with people outside the center, which enriches the daily experiences of the participants and contributes to strengthening the feeling of belonging, self-esteem and personal recognition. Cooking thus becomes a tool to support integral development, but also a way to promote inclusion, respect for diversity and openness to the world.
Cuisine of the world is, in short, an enriching experience that invites share, learn and enjoy the flavors of the world, focusing on the capabilities, interests and potential of each person.
