A culinary programme at a West Yorkshire correctional facility is providing prisoners with kitchen abilities that could prove valuable following their release.
A chef from Wunder Crumble by MyLahore, an enterprise established in Bradford that has established ties with penal institutions over an extended period, conducted the instruction.
Participants gained hands-on experience preparing chicken jalfrezi, acquiring knowledge applicable to commercial catering environments.
According to Ishfaq Farooq, who serves as director at Wunder Crumble by MyLahore and the broader MyLahore Group, the initiative represents an extension of longstanding efforts rather than an isolated undertaking.
Farooq explained that the organisation has engaged with numerous prisons and their employment departments, participated in career events, advised individuals about possibilities within the hospitality sector, and explored how commercial enterprises might assist those transitioning back into society.
The Leeds facility session was designed to build upon these activities by offering practical involvement rather than merely discussing employment prospects.
The aim was to teach applicable techniques and potentially spark genuine enthusiasm for food service work.
The enterprise maintains connections with multiple correctional establishments, including HMP Leeds and HMP Wealstun.
Farooq underscored that commercial organisations bear responsibility toward their local areas.
He argued that genuine community involvement extends beyond website statements, encompassing volunteer hours, knowledge-sharing, careers event participation, mentoring, and willingness to assess candidates objectively when determining suitability for employment.
Farooq expressed conviction that individuals determined to alter their circumstances and establish meaningful lives merit consideration.
The hospitality sector, he noted, offers tangible competencies, self-assurance, collaborative experience, structure, and potential for sustained professional advancement.
Staff at the Leeds prison received commendation for facilitating such opportunities.
Farooq stated that acknowledging the commitment of correctional personnel was important.
He maintained that every individual warrants the chance to demonstrate capacity for positive transformation, with external support sometimes representing the critical initial step.