Worldchefs, together with AIESEC and Electrolux is extending the successful zero-waste culinary
training program for unemployed people to a second location in Brazil. Plans
are also in place to launch the program in Argentina, Russia and Egypt in the
near future for the Electrolux Food Fundation.
With a focus on reducing food waste,
the Electrolux Food Foundation launched a culinary training program as a pilot
in Curitiba, Brazil, in September 2017.
Since then, 34 people – mostly women
– have been trained. Out of the first batch of 18 students, eight have already
found new jobs.
“The team in Curitiba – together with our partners Worldchefs
and AIESEC – took this sketch of an idea, developed and implemented it in a way
that exceeded everyone’s expectations. This has inspired us to replicate the
program in other locations,” says Malin Ekefalk, Director of Social Responsibility
at Electrolux.
Looking towards a brighter future
One of the lucky students is Sirlei who was unemployed for some time before she
took part in the training. After the course, she was hired by a restaurant
which specializes in private events because she could prepare a wide variety of
food including finger food, pasta, cakes and desserts.
Meanwhile, Felipe is helping out one
of the chefs who trained him. This is his first job in a professional kitchen
and he has high hopes of becoming a professional chef one day.
In September 2018, a second culinary
training center will open in São Carlos, Brazil. Plans are also underway to
launch the program in Argentina, Russia and Egypt soon.
“The Curitiba project is a great example of how three
different organizations – Worldchefs, Electrolux and AIESEC – can work
together to achieve life-changing results. I could not be prouder or happier
with this project and look forward to replicating it globally,” says
Christopher Koetke, Worldchefs Vice President Strategy and Industry Relations.
About the culinary training program
The ten-week course developed by
Worldchefs is taught by volunteering professional chefs in a special
kitchen created at the Electrolux facility in Curitiba. The project is driven
by employees together with the Electrolux Food Foundation, and is heavily
supported by its partners Worldchefs and AIESEC.
About the Electrolux Food Foundation
The Electrolux Food Foundation was established in
2016. It brings employee initiatives to life by supporting them with funding
and resources. These initiatives seek to inspire sustainable food consumption
and cooking habits among consumers and professionals, and to support people in
need through education and emergency relief efforts. The Foundation supports
the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
http://www.electroluxgroup.com/en/category/sustainability/food-foundation/
About Worldchefs
The World Association of Chefs' Societies
(Worldchefs) is a non-political professional organization, dedicated to
maintaining and improving the culinary standards of global cuisines.
We accomplish these goals through
education, training and professional development of our international
membership. As an authority and opinion leader on food, Worldchefs represents a
global voice on all issues related to the culinary profession.
