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Win the title: third Best School Cook competition kicks off in Tajikistan

Tajikistan
We are pleased to announce the start of the third Best School Cook competition! This significant event will be a real celebration of culinary art aimed at improving the quality of school meals.

The competition, a joint effort by the UN World Food Programme, the Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI), the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan, is part of the country's largest WFP project supported by SIFI — the School Feeding Programme. It offers a platform for school cooks nationwide to showcase their culinary talents.

The primary objective of the competition is to foster creativity and professionalism among cooks, elevating the standard of school meals. Now in its third year, this competition serves as a catalyst for participants to explore new culinary horizons, exchange ideas, and contribute to the creation of healthier, more appealing, and tastier school lunches.

This year, the competition will include some innovations:

  • Cooks will demonstrate their skills in baking pastries.
  • In the final stage of the competition, the winner of the previous year will join the jury.
  • Following the award ceremony, a renowned Tajik chef-blogger will conduct an exclusive cooking masterclass for all participants and guests.

The competition is open to all school canteen employees, regardless of age, professional education, or work experience. Registration is possible until September 15, 2024. Those interested must fill out an application and write a mini-essay or make a video explaining why they want to join.

The competition committee will select 50 semi-finalists from all over the country. The semi-finals will begin on September 25, 2024, and will be held in the format of field sessions. At the school canteen in each region, participants in groups of 10 people will prepare soup, a main course, and a drink, as well as pastries from the school menu according to the jury's instructions. Five finalists from each region who gain the maximum number of points will advance to the finals.

The finals will take place in November 2024. Finalists will present their homework — an original school dish recipe. They will also showcase their knowledge of sanitary standards and food processing technology and demonstrate skills in preparing and serving school meals.

The winners will receive valuable prizes: a cup for first place, medals, diplomas, and certificates for purchasing home appliances and tableware for their school canteen.

We invite all interested cooks to participate! Let your talent become part of the great effort to improve school feeding in Tajikistan. Share information with colleagues and friends because together, we can make school meals tastier and healthier!

Click the LINK to learn more.

Should you have any questions, please contact us at ozmuni_oshpazon@gmail.com or call +992 93 722 4444.

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