The MythBusters Action Team partners with four local immigrants to launch their first Culture Kitchen workshop, an educational-based cooking demo, in Campbell River on Jan. 29 and the Comox Valley on Jan. 30.
The team jumps outside their normal “classroom-type” diversity training and offers a “sit back and relax” style of fun and educational class. The MythBusters Action Team, a campaign initiated by the Immigrant Welcome Centre and funded by the provincial government, partners with four local immigrants from Mexico, Taiwan, France, and Italy to provide a different training experience to the communities.
“As local demographics change and people are looking for more innovative and fun training, the MythBusters Action Team is hoping to provide a relaxed style of after-work educational experience to the public. Participants will learn cultural recipes, take a bite of authentic ethnic food, and get develop understanding on cultural differences and local immigration trends. At the same time, participants learn how to be MythBusters Agents who are committed to strengthening inclusivity in our communities,” said Rachel Blaney, Executive Director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre.
Barbara Walker, President of the organization said, “Fun, food, and education can mix together very well. Members of the community have expressed to us that they prefer experiential education.
“To respond to this request, the MythBusters Action Team will incorporate all these elements to bring participants a new training experience. Four local immigrants will share their immigration stories while cooking; participants can ask them questions and get first hand knowledge of interacting with immigrants.”
The team was created in 2012 in Campbell River based on a successful campaign called the Anti-Rumors Strategy initiated by Barcelona City Council in Spain. The program expanded to the Comox Valley in 2013 and offered its first training to the Valley residents last year in September.
The first Culture Kitchen will take place 5:30-8 p.m. in both communities, on Jan. 29 at Robron Centre (Campbell River) and on Jan. 30 at the Comox Valley Family Services Association (Comox Valley). The training is open to the public; registration is required. For more information visit immigrantwelcome.ca/mythbusters.
The Immigrant Welcome Centre serves the Comox Valley, Campbell River and North Island. They provide services to immigrants to help them integrate and settle into Canada. Over 600 clients have been served in the past year as immigration continues to bring newcomers to the community.