A Safe Space for Growth and Connection
In a takeaway shop in Morley, the sounds of laughter and conversation echo as a group of 20 women engage in cooking activities, from slicing onions to whisking eggs and pouring batter. This is part of a nine-week course designed to build confidence among women from migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker backgrounds. The program, run by the Multicultural Services Centre of WA, offers a safe environment where participants can form friendships, develop skills, and prepare for future opportunities.
One of the teachers and coordinators, Vidhu Karolia, shared a powerful story about a woman who had never left her home before joining the program. Her son was 24 years old, and she wanted to take control of her life. Despite not speaking much English, she completed the entire course and left with a desire to find work. “It’s a pleasure to see that they have goals and that they can achieve them once they come here,” said Ms. Karolia.
Cakes and Community
The program operates as a social enterprise, allowing trainees to cater events and provide meals to the community. These include clients from the aged care sector and under the National Disability Inclusion Scheme (NDIS). Additionally, Our Place Cafe, a coffee shop attached to the kitchen, provides students with the chance to practice barista skills.
Ms. Karolia emphasized that trainees are taught to design menus, manage budgets, and understand food hygiene and allergen rules. “We also encourage them to tell us what they would like to learn,” she said. For example, if a student expresses interest in learning how to make cakes and croissants, the program adapts to include those skills. “They learn from each other, and food is a way to bring everyone together.”
A Beautiful Sisterhood
Sabah Suleiman, an Eritrean-Ethiopian woman, was one of the first to complete the course. She described how it boosted her confidence in the kitchen and exposed her to new foods. “I didn’t have the courage before to taste anything, but now I can taste every kind of food.”
Ms. Suleiman, who grew up as a refugee in Sudan and moved to Australia in 1996, has since launched a spice business. “They encouraged us to bring our spices and cook a dish with it, which gave me the confidence to share it with everyone.” She described the group as a “beautiful sisterhood” that continues to stay in touch.
A Confidence Boost for Future Goals
Fatima Khan, currently two weeks into the course, already has big dreams. “I used to do catering before, but when people asked for my social media page, I used to hide myself thinking I wasn’t confident enough to open a business.” She hopes to build that confidence and eventually start her own catering business or food truck.
Another trainee, Sabrin Ramadan from Eritrea, also aims to become her own boss. “In just two weeks, I’m learning a lot of things. I finish in two months, and after that, I’ll open a business.”
Supporting Vulnerable Women
Shobhana Chakrabarti, the project manager at the Multicultural Services Centre, is focused on helping vulnerable women gain the confidence to pursue their ambitions. “It gives them confidence that they can go and apply [to be a] supplier with a council or a self-catering business, which they didn’t have when they started.”
Mrs. Chakrabarti noted that many participants know a lot about cooking but struggle in mainstream training courses. “We’re targeting women who are a bit vulnerable. This is a step up for them, where they can come and meet other women.” She highlighted the main barriers as language, cultural differences, and stigma around working in the hospitality industry. “This is a very safe, trusting, and inclusive environment because it’s all women.”
The program is funded by Lotterywest and will continue until December 2028, supporting 160 women. It offers a unique opportunity for growth, connection, and empowerment.
