Rare
Vrienden
Culinary Skills for Change – Cooking & Hospitality Training
In response to community feedback and local needs, the Rare Vrienden Foundation launched the culinary skills for change program in 2025, aimed at equipping young people—both boys and girls—with practical cooking and hospitality skills.
The idea was born from a growing realization: while many initiatives supported girls, the boy child often felt left out of empowerment efforts. The foundation identified this disconnect and designed the program to bridge it through inclusive, skill-based learning.
The classes are held at The Kitchen, a fully tiled facility (upgraded with support from Galfundi) located at Jonathan’s office. Despite early challenges during the first few cohorts, the program quickly adapted—introducing improved training structures, mentorship, and professional guidance.
Equipment & Upgrades
To enhance the efficiency and quality of the culinary training, several critical improvements were implemented:
Modern kitchen installation with gas cookers, a fridge, and an industrial blender
Chef starter kits and kitchen utensils for each trainee to ensure hands-on learning
A demonstration area for knife skills, plating, and three-course meal preparation
Safety and hygiene kits, including aprons and protective wear
These upgrades have significantly elevated the training standards, giving participants a five-star learning experience and preparing them for real-world opportunities in the hospitality industry.
Looking ahead, Rare Vrienden plans to expand the program to include hospitality and restaurant management. The long-term vision is to establish a training restaurant, where students can gain hands-on experience serving real customers—transforming classroom lessons into livelihood opportunities.
The Culinary Skills for Change Program continues to prove that empowerment can begin right in the kitchen—where skill, discipline, and opportunity meet to create lasting impact for Kilifi’s youth.