Embracing Diversity Through Food: My Experience at Familia's Duo Living Room Family Cafe

​​As I reflect on my time working at Familia, one particular experience stands out vividly in my memory: facilitating the Duo Living Room Family Cafe in Vantaa on Mondays. This weekly gathering provided a platform for intercultural families to come together, share experiences, and form connections over coffee, tea, and snacks. What started as a simple gathering soon evolved into a celebration of diversity, thanks to the powerful role that food played in bringing people from different cultures together.

At the heart of our cafe was the idea of creating a welcoming space where families could feel at home, regardless of their backgrounds. As families trickled in each Monday afternoon, the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Conversations flowed freely as parents and children alike mingled, sharing stories, laughter, and sometimes even language barriers.

One of the most remarkable aspects of our cafe was the introduction of a new tradition: bringing food from each family's home country. What began as a modest suggestion quickly gained momentum, as families embraced the opportunity to showcase their culinary heritage. Each week, our tables overflowed with an array of dishes, from aromatic rice dishes to savoury pastries, tantalizing the taste buds and igniting curiosity.

​The act of sharing food became a powerful symbol of connection and acceptance. As families exchanged recipes and sampled each other's delicacies, cultural barriers dissolved, and bonds were forged. Whether it was Kenyan chapati, German coffee-flavoured fudge or South African rooibos tea, among others every dish told a story, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of traditions and customs that make up our community.

But beyond the flavours and aromas, it was the sense of unity and belonging that truly defined our cafe. In a world often divided by differences, our gathering served as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the common humanity that unites us all. Through food, we discovered that despite our varied backgrounds, we share a common desire for connection, understanding, and acceptance.

As I look back on my time at Familia's Duo Living Room Family Cafe, I am filled with gratitude for the memories created and the lessons learned. In a small corner room at Pakkala, Olari Vantaa, we witnessed the transformative power of food to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and build bridges across cultures. And while our cafe may have been just a humble gathering, its impact continues to resonate, serving as a reminder of the beauty that lies in embracing our differences and coming together as one family.
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Written by: Charity Kamau