Yeronga's cookbook serves up more than meals
20 October 2009
By Eden Wooden
Staff and students involved in Yeronga State High's Get Set for Work program. One of the projects involved students creating their own African cookbook.
Cultures around the world know the importance of meal times and how it brings families together.
Migrant and refugee students from Brisbane's Yeronga State High School are using this tradition to illustrate their African culture, improve their English skills and gain practical work and business experience.
A Taste of Africa - A Collection of African Recipes was written by students from across Africa including Sierra Leone, Sudan, Liberia, Congo, Burundi, Uganda and
Eritrea.
The cookbook is part of a Get Set for Work program funded by the State Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. One of the aims of the project was to introduce students to Australian workplace and business practices.
The 10 Years 11-12 students managed the project from concept through to publication, including selecting the recipes, designing the layout, photographing the dishes and managing the budget.
Linton Wieland, a trainer with the Construction Training Centre which manages the program, said it was a practical way to give students who are new to Australia vital work and living skills.
'This project is about giving practical experience in everyday concepts that we take for granted in Australia, Mr Wieland said.
'Although these students can often speak multiple languages, English and maths are not something they have had a lot of exposure to.
'This cookbook was perfect for building and combining these skills.
'The students planned the entire production process, including organising a budget, picking recipes, as well as deciding what art and photos to include in the book.
'Combining this with measuring ingredients, explaining the cooking process and describing the taste and meaning of a dish, all built on their understanding and ability to use English and maths.
'By being included in the process the students have gained confidence in their abilities and have been able to celebrate and showcase their African cultures.'
Book sales have exceeded expectations, with organisations such as TAFE Queensland purchasing multiple copies to use as a learning resource for students in the migrant English program.
The Construction Training Centre as part of its Good Corporate Citizen program funded the cookbook and all proceeds from its sale will go to local community projects.
To purchase A Taste of Africa - A Collection of African Recipes visit the Construction and Training Centre 
or phone on 3216 6711.
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