Cooking class raises life skills in participants

Fifteen participants from Tender Loving Care (TLC) Disability Services recently spent a day in Canterbury’s kitchen with Canterbury Executive Chef Stephanie Azar to increase their cooking skills and confidence levels.

TLC Disability Services together with local organisations, Lighthouse Community Support and Campsie Police Area Command, have an ongoing program that creates pathways for participants to be educated on various life skills, as well as giving them an opportunity to explore their unique and extraordinary talents.

“Chef Stephanie’s cooking class was just one of the many activities included in this program, and the outcome was amazing!” said Janah Rima, a spokesperson from Lighthouse Community Support.

“Stephanie taught them how to prepare their own lunch of a tuna salad and pasta, and she has a natural ability to engage participants by giving them a chance to feel confident and comfortable in the kitchen space.”

Janah said that one of the participants told her: “This is a great chance for us to learn how to help out at home.”

“We appreciate Canterbury’s and Stephanie’s time, effort and sincerity to make this a memorable and empowering experience,” said Janah.

“The purpose of my class was to teach and have fun with simple dishes that can be made with the staples easily found in the pantry. I had a great time teaching the participants and I hope they’ll take what they’ve learned and cook for their families sometime soon,” said Executive Chef Stephanie Azar.