The ‘Food & Stuff’ course is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between Caring Cooks and Samphire Restaurant, both driven by a shared mission to equip Jersey’s young adults with essential life skills.
Chula Whelan, the CEO of Samphire, is particularly passionate about this cause: “We believe in creating opportunities for young people to thrive,” Chula states. “Providing them with practical skills and knowledge in cooking is just the beginning. We’re opening doors to lifelong learning and possibilities, which is pivotal for personal growth and development.”
‘Food & Stuff’ is a six-week culinary journey meticulously crafted for those at the very start of their cooking path. The programme is focused on teaching the fundamentals of the culinary arts, providing a solid foundation from which participants can grow. This trial programme will initially welcome young adults who have shown a desire to learn and develop these essential life skills.
Christian Gott, an award-winning chef who has earned a post-16 qualification from the Society of Education & Training and contributes to Flourish – a school meals initiative of Caring Cooks, is dedicated to enriching the lives of young adults.
“There’s a clear need for those who haven’t had the chance to learn essential cooking skills,” Christian stated. “Our goal is to bridge this gap. Through this programme, we hope to ignite a newfound interest in the culinary arts and potentially inspire career pursuits in the hospitality sector, which is so vital to our community here in Jersey.”
The programme is made possible by the generous funding support from Connect Me, a Government of Jersey Communities Grant Scheme, as well as financial contributions from Waitrose, to provide starter packs for each participant. These partnerships underscore a community-wide commitment to nurturing talent and opening doors for young adults.
Pamela Karimjee, initially recognised as Miss Rigby and later as Mrs. Veitch, has played a central role in shaping the course structure in an advisory role. A pivotal figure in Jersey’s home economics education since 1971, her distinguished career began at the Technical College of Housecraft and extended to various local schools, including Hautlieu and Haute Vallee. She said: “The programme extends beyond the basics of cooking—it’s a foundation for building self-confidence, promoting well-being, and opening up pathways to potential careers in Jersey’s rich hospitality industry.”
At the conclusion of the programme, participants will have the chance to showcase their new culinary abilities by preparing a celebration meal, marking not only the end of the course but the beginning of their culinary adventures. They will receive certificates of completion, symbolizing their hard work and readiness to take their place in the kitchen, whether at home or in a professional setting.
“We have selected our initial cohort of students for the ‘Food & Stuff’ programme, and based on the outcomes of this pilot, we plan to extend further courses throughout the year,” said Yvonne Corbin, CEO of Caring Cooks. “We’re eager to see the transformative impact of this first offering. Upon its success, we will announce subsequent sessions and provide information on how more young adults can join and benefit from this valuable initiative.”
