On 9th and 10th October 2017, a qualification training “Bread as a social event” which had been developed by anthropologist Nadeshda Grigorova was conducted by Zdrava Vodenicharova and the Bread House Team at the Bread House Networks in Sofia.
15 multipliers from 6 countries learnt the method theoretically and practically. It is suited to bring groups from different social constellations in contact and at the same time talk about topics of common interest.
It begins with a personal introduction through a picture painted on the board which is dusted with flour. Afterwards, a group topic is chosen together. Then, a bread dough is produced in pairs and there are associations and conversations for every component (flour, water, sugar, salt). The products created together are baked and eaten together.
The method was applied in many variations, e.g. an action to bake in complete darkness (blind), to invent a song for the topic and accompany it with kitchen utensils, to try different seasoning mixes etc. In Sofia, the basic method was not only tested by the group itself but also with a group of disabled people which was much fun for everyone.
Finally, the food distribution game was introduced in two groups which led to astonishing discussions on the chosen topic in the groups, e.g. to retain independence in old age.
All participants of the qualification training were fascinated and inspired by the experiences. They will test the basic method with different target groups several times in their own country and meet again in spring in an international frame to discuss their experiences with the other participants. Furthermore, this method and the reflected experiences are shared on regional multiplier conferences in their own region.