Artisan Baking and Sourdough Fermentation for Migrants and Refugees (2024)
​This pilot course, held in 2024, was designed to train and empower refugees and migrants living in the Canton of Zurich through hands-on artisan baking.
The program focused on building foundational skills in sourdough fermentation, sustainable baking practices, and production planning, while simultaneously strengthening participants’ German language skills and promoting intercultural exchange.
Pilot Program Objectives:
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To provide practical training in baking with sourdough and mixed leavening methods.
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To support German language development through the integration of technical vocabulary and real-life communication in the baking context.
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To promote the use of local ingredients and introduce sustainable approaches to production and sourcing.
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To create a space for cultural storytelling, encouraging participants to reconnect with personal memories and traditions through bread.
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To build a bridge between refugees and the Swiss professional community, fostering confidence, empowerment, and integration.
Target Group
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The course was aimed at adult migrants, recognised refugees, temporarily admitted persons, and displaced individuals from third countries, regardless of their residence status.
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Participants were aged between 18 and 50, residing in the Canton of Zurich, and had a basic level of German (A1–A2).
Pilot Cohort
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The program successfully trained 13 participants – 7 women and 6 men, aged between 20 and 50 – from Afghanistan, China, Iran, Turkey, Burundi, and Venezuela.
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Each brought unique culinary traditions and strong motivation to develop new skills and pathways toward employment or self-employment.
Key Achievements:
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All participants completed the course successfully and demonstrated substantial growth in both baking skills and language confidence.
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​The curriculum combined technical baking lessons with soft skills development, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and professional standards.​
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The final module invited participants to present their own signature bread and personal formulas, reconnecting with heritage and identity through their creations.​
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The course fostered new connections between participants and Swiss bakers, culinary professionals, and institutions, planting the seeds for further collaboration, mentorship, and job opportunities.
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We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors and sponsors for your unwavering trust and support. Your generous contributions make a significant impact to our mission, enabling us to achieve our goals and positively impact our community.
Thank you for believing in us and standing by our side. Together, we can continue to create meaningful change​.
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New Program in October 2025 coming soon!