Here we are again.

With Level 5 restrictions in full force, chances are you’re looking for (a) something to do to relieve the monotony and (b) something exciting to eat instead of another pasta bake.

Now there’s a way to tick both those boxes and support an excellent programme that helps people living in Direct Provision at the same time.

Bia Friend is a new platform that links food-loving asylum seekers and refugees with wannabe home chefs for online Zoom cook-alongs. An instant hit, the interest has been huge and the first classes begin in February with more in the pipeline already.

Each evening at 6.30pm you can learn how to make dishes such as Zineb’s authentic Algerian chicken and couscous, Sindi’s Zimbabwean peanut and veggie stew or Esther and Jennifer’s Nigerian Efo Riro.

All proceeds cover the cook’s expenses and training as well as ADPI’s Pregnancy Kit Project, which provides maternity, baby and children’s items to families in Direct Provision.

 

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“These classes give our friends living in Direct Provision a chance to share their culture and connect with people around Ireland while also improving their language skills and boosting their confidence,” says Bia Friend, which was set up by volunteers.

It works like this: Sign up for your chosen class here (the cost is a €15 donation) and you will be sent a list of ingredients. Each class will be focused on one cuisine taught by a refugee or asylum seeker living in Ireland.

Afterwards, you will receive an email with the recipe so you can recreate each dish at home.