From August 8 to 14, 2023, a partner meeting titled “Let’s Discover Our Tastes” was held in Ostrów Wielkopolski, Poland, as part of the Erasmus+ project. This 5-day culinary-themed activity brought together 6 participants from each partner country (Turkey and France), along with local participants including chefs, cooking teachers, and representatives of vocational schools and adult education centers. Translators accompanied each group to facilitate communication.
Objectives and Themes
The event aimed to:
- Explore and learn about starters, salads, homemade drinks, and side dishes from partner countries’ cuisines.
- Share culinary traditions and foster cross-cultural appreciation.
- Inspire participants with success stories of individuals who have turned their culinary skills into thriving businesses.
Program Highlights
The structured program included:
- Day 1: Welcoming activities, icebreakers, and introductions to partner countries’ culinary traditions.
- Days 2-3: Preparation and tasting of 5 starters from each partner’s cuisine.
- Days 4-5: Exploration of salads, homemade drinks (at least 2), and side dishes (at least 4) from each partner’s culinary repertoire.
Additionally, the hosting partner provided a presentation showcasing success stories of individuals who have successfully built businesses around food, drink, or online sales. Whenever possible, interviews with these entrepreneurs were arranged to inspire participants.
Outcomes
The activity encouraged hands-on participation, allowing attendees to:
- Learn new culinary techniques and recipes.
- Gain inspiration from success stories to apply in their local contexts.
- Strengthen cross-cultural collaboration through shared culinary experiences.
Evaluation and Dissemination
The event’s success was assessed using online questionnaires. Participants returned to their countries equipped with new skills and knowledge, which they shared through training sessions and local events organized by each partner. These events included workshops, job-shadowing opportunities, and collaborative activities designed to disseminate the project’s outcomes.
Target Audience
The event targeted adults, young adults, and individuals involved in adult education with an interest in culinary traditions. Priority was given to participants from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with limited culinary or professional opportunities.
Future Impact
This engaging and enriching meeting not only deepened participants’ culinary expertise but also empowered them to share their knowledge, fostering the sustainability of the Erasmus+ project goals. Each partner will organize at least one local event to ensure the wider dissemination of the knowledge and skills gained during this activity.
