On Saturday, January 13th, Southern Home & Kitchen (SoHo) hosted a unique cooking event with RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Society of Entrepreneurs) and the YMCA’s ESL programs. This was the first in a series called “Eat with a Cause.” The evening was a memorable one, where Ethiopian Chefs Sena Duhna and Adut Ojulu prepared a meal and shared their stories and experiences with others.

As most of us discover early on—the dinner table is a safe and secure place that lends itself for conversation and learning. The cooking classes are intended to bridge cultures over the universal language of food. “Eat for a Cause” is a way of connecting and supporting under-served women in our community.

SoHo learned that the YMCA was helping refugee women in their entrepreneurial program to raise funds by teaching cooking classes in church kitchens. They instantly felt connected and drawn to this cause and knew that a collaboration was imminent. They sponsored this series so different women from diverse countries will have the opportunity to come and teach classes in their kitchen. All of the proceeds for the class will be used to help the women who lead the cooking class.

With the assistance of a translator, Sena and Adut articulated their personal stories and journeys, their culture, and their food. They did most of the cooking, although participants were more than welcome to assist and interact in preparing the meal all together.

For more information on upcoming classes in this series or others visit www.shopsohonc.com/cooking-classes or call 336.777.3660