Info Day and Career Day successfully held within the EU-funded SReST project: Young chefs with disabilities in focus of slow-food tourism

The aim of the pilot is to empower and support the employment of young people with disabilities through professional education and practical work in the preparation of slow-food dishes, with a special focus on inclusion, sustainability and preservation of local gastronomic tradition. Ten participants have been involved in intensive training course that includes both theoretical and practical workshops, during which they are acquiring culinary knowledge and skills using local ingredients from the Bjelašnica and Nišić Plateau areas.

The event began with opening remarks by representatives of SERDA and ProReha, followed by a brief presentation of the project, its goals, activities and results achieved. Attendees were introduced to the concept of the pilot activity, the way the training has been organized and the broader importance of including persons with disabilities in the hospitality sector through the slow-food approach.

Later on, the young chefs with disabilities, mentored by renowned chefs from Bosnia and Herzegovina, prepared and presented a variety of dishes based on traditional recipes and modern techniques, including meals made with microgreens, edible flowers and authentic local ingredients. The practical demonstration of their knowledge and skills also served as an opportunity for informal career networking with representatives of HoReCa sector, and various organizations and institutions supporting the employment of people with disabilities.

The SERDA team expresses its sincere gratitude to all partners, chefs and, above all, the exceptional young participants who demonstrated dedication, talent and enthusiasm. This event represents an important step towards building an inclusive labour market and further promotion of the slow-food potentials of the Sarajevo Canton.