Cooking Dreams into Reality: Stories from the Kitchen Academy

At a Kitchen Academy in Bursa, the clatter of pots and pans signals more than just meal preparation — it’s the sound of transformation. The academy equips aspiring chefs with professional skills, opening doors to sustainable livelihoods while fostering resilience and community integration.

Menal, a 31-year-old Syrian who has been in Türkiye for nine years, is one of the program’s many inspiring stories. Cooking has been a part of her life since she was a teenager, preparing meals for her siblings back in Syria.

Menal was particularly inspired by learning how to prepare Turkish dishes, especially soups and traditional favorites like ‘sarma’[1] and ‘içli köfte’[2] . Now employed at a local restaurant, she dreams of opening a small diner with her husband, blending the rich flavors of Syrian and Turkish home cooking. “It will be a place where both cultures come together,” she says with a smile.

Hosted by the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Trade Education Center (BUTGEM) and supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and United States Government, the Kitchen Academy forms part of broader efforts to empower vulnerable populations, including migrants, refugees and host community members. By addressing the economic challenges faced by participants and connecting them with employment opportunities, the program not only strengthens individual livelihoods but also contributes to social cohesion within diverse communities. To date, over 1020 individuals have received support through the Academy.

Tuğçe a 22-year-old from Bursa, found this aspect particularly rewarding. Originally trained as a health professional, she decided to switch careers during the COVID-19 pandemic and pursue her passion for cooking. Today, Tuğçe thrives in her role at a catering company, where her internship experience helped her adapt seamlessly. 

Similarly, receiving both high-quality training and guidance in securing employment was life-changing for Sidra, a 22-year-old Syrian who has lived in Türkiye for seven years.

The only girl in her family, Sidra tried various training courses but discovered her true passion in the kitchen. “It was my first time working in a real kitchen, and I learned so much,” she says. Despite initial challenges during her internship, she persevered, earning her certificate and a job offer. Her advice to others: “Don’t give up, believe in yourself, and build your strength.” Sidra dreams of opening a pastry shop one day, but for now, she’s focused on refining her skills in hot kitchen and dessert preparation.

The academy also provides an opportunity for participants with prior culinary experience to further enhance their skills. For 24-year-old Neslihan, a culinary graduate from Bursa, the program was the perfect step to advance her career.

Neslihan now works at a catering company, where she takes pride in her role overseeing quality control — an impressive achievement in an often male-dominated field. Looking ahead, she envisions opening her own dessert shop and exploring different cuisines. 

“Through supporting initiatives like the Kitchen Academy, IOM continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering resilience, investing in skills development and livelihood opportunities, also contributing to broader community harmony,” remarks Cassandra Gallese, IOM’s head of community stabilization.

As these women carve out their paths in the culinary world, they are also bridging cultures, proving that success tastes even sweeter when shared.

[1] Sarma (grape leaves stuffed with rice and spices)

[2] İçli Köfte (bulgur shells stuffed with spiced meat)