Massimo Bottura, a celebrated chef known for his innovative approach to food, believes that social division stems from a rigid way of viewing the world. His student, Jessica Roswal, along with her friend Caroline Caprioglio, are putting this philosophy into practice in Modena, Italy, with their project ‘Roots.’ This initiative, which earned the ‘Champion of Change Award’ at the prestigious ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in June, aims to empower refugee and immigrant women, especially single mothers, who face significant barriers to employment in Italy.
‘Roots’ provides free culinary training to these women, empowering them to share their unique cultural cuisines with the community. After completing their training, they get to showcase their native dishes for several months at the restaurant, which serves as both a training ground and a platform for cultural exchange. This collaboration benefits everyone involved. Guests are treated to an exciting array of new and exotic flavors from Africa and the Middle East, while the women gain valuable skills and experience. The project’s ultimate goal is to challenge perspectives and demonstrate that refugees and immigrants, instead of being marginalized, enrich our society with their diverse cultures.
Jessica and Caroline go beyond providing practical training. They strive to ensure the women’s long-term success by offering job placement services, with almost 100% of graduates securing employment. They also prioritize fair working conditions, carefully reviewing employment contracts to ensure they are not discriminatory. ‘Roots’ is more than just a training ground; it’s a safe space where the women can connect and support each other. Graduates frequently return to mentor current trainees, offering guidance and encouragement. Some even go on to work at Bottura’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant, ‘Osteria Francescana,’ a testament to their skills and dedication. One graduate, for instance, works in the bakery, ensuring she has the flexibility to balance work with her family life.
‘Roots’ is constantly evolving. They have recently started training service staff and are currently developing an entrepreneurial program to support aspiring restaurant owners. Their vision extends beyond the culinary world, aiming to empower individuals to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. They envision a future where graduates can establish their own successful restaurants, showcasing their unique culinary heritage and creating a thriving ecosystem of independent businesses. The project also includes plans to compile a cookbook featuring the diverse dishes developed at ‘Roots,’ further promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.
‘Roots’ is a testament to the power of food as a vehicle for social change. It not only provides practical support to refugee and immigrant women but also challenges harmful stereotypes and fosters a more inclusive society. By bridging cultural divides through food, Jessica and Caroline are demonstrating that collaboration and understanding are the key to creating a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or origin.
