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Refugees and immigrants in New York have created a recipe book: there is borscht, dumplings and many other of our dishes.

'17.01.2023'

Nadezhda Verbitskaya

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Recipes for pies, borscht, alu gobi, puzole, mukver and many other delicious dishes are presented in a new cookbook written by refugees and immigrants, including those living in New York. Time-out.

Non-profit organization Felt Education published a cookbook A World of Yum, which is now available for $30. The book will not only make a great gift, but will also help students learn English as part of the free Felt programs.

As a British immigrant, Caroline McKinnon has always felt welcome in America. But in the turmoil of Donald Trump's 2016 election, she realized just how frightened Muslim immigrants are. She attended protests and marches, but considered herself not rich enough to make a difference. That was until she decided to start Felt in 2017 to offer free English lessons to immigrants and refugees.

Call to action to help

“It was a call to action to see what we can do,” McKinnon says. “And it was to create a safe space for people who are further pushed into the shadows.”

Since its inception, Felt volunteers have helped 1 students from around the world.

At first, classes were held face-to-face in New York. But after the pandemic, Felt switched to online courses. This helped the organization reach more students both in the US and in refugee camps in Europe. Now everyone 16+ can attend online courses and study together.

Volunteers tailor classes to meet student needs, understanding that some students may not know their date of birth or how to spell their name. Among Felt's students, some are going to college, others are preparing for matriculation exams. Some want to help their kids with their homework or improve their English for employment, explains Noga La'or, Director of English and Academic Education at Felt. One woman wanted to give a speech in English at her son's wedding. And with the help of Felt, she achieved her goal.

On the subject: Stop Talking Like a Textbook: 10 Ways to Make Your English Natural

Whatever the student's needs, Felt volunteers are ready to help by providing English lessons. They also do injury training. Because some students have endured terrible circumstances such as torture and human trafficking.

“It's about the community, and not just about the English language,” says Corinna Mitchell. She works as a registrar and manages work with students. “You come here for the English language, but you find this sense of community and safe space. Here you can talk, participate and spend some time with people who share a slightly similar story with you,” she says.

The idea for a cookbook was born from this sense of community.

When volunteers taught classes in East Harlem, McKinnon says, they noticed that when students learned a new word related to food, someone would invariably bring that dish to the next class. The students exchanged opinions about the dishes, telling how they are served in their culture.

She realized that a cookbook would help strengthen that bond. This year's cookbook features students living in New York and beyond.

McKinnon personally tried every recipe. And I found that they are quite easy to prepare. The recipes represent over a dozen countries including Bolivia, Rwanda, Syria, Taiwan and Yemen.

This is the second cookbook released by Felt. First book, A Spoonful of Home, which was published four years ago, is also available for purchase. When the first book was released, one of the students carried it around with her everywhere. And found ways to bring this book into conversation.

“It gives them the feeling that their story and their food is desirable,” McKinnon says. "It's a fact that someone wants to know them."

Proceeds from book sales are returned to the organization to help with administrative expenses. For example, to license Zoom or purchase tablets for students who need devices. To date, the group has provided 200 tablets for students to participate in the classes. This is really important as over 70% of Felt students live in poor housing.

Unlike more formal ESL classes, the result is not a certificate of any kind.

Instead, students leave with improved English skills and a group of friends. Volunteers enjoy seeing students interact with each other, praise each other, and wish each other good luck in life events.

“One of the things that is really important to us is creating a sense of community for our students. And creating a space where they feel accepted, respected and supported. Many of our students have a difficult life. And they're not always treated well when they go out, La'or says. “I think it gives them the opportunity to come to a place where we respect them for who they are. Where they can create a sense of community with their classmates.”

Books available for sale online. Felt is also looking for volunteers who can help with teaching, social media, and student service.

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