Chef Khadim Mane, who runs Senegalese restaurant Little Baobab in London, is offering the free six-week chef training programme, which will be hosted at his restaurant’s home in the Africa Centre.
Starting this month, the course will run through a mix of online and in-person sessions and aims to offer a meaningful pathway into the hospitality industry while at the same time removing financial barriers for young people who may otherwise struggle to access training or employment opportunities.
During the course participants will gain essential kitchen and culinary skills; hospitality theory and training; hands-on experience in a professional kitchen; as well as a chance to specialise in African cuisine.
Born and raised in Senegal, Mane arrived in London in 2010 without speaking English or having formal culinary experience. From helping a friend with a Moroccan food business at festivals to hosting his own pop-ups and dinners, he went on to found Little Baobab, now a permanent restaurant at the Africa Centre.