Open Kitchens Teacher

FAIZA NAYAL

My name is Faiza Nayel, and I am from Afghanistan. I graduated from school in my home country and have been living in England with my family for over six years.

I studied English and Maths at Bury Adult Learning Centre. I also have experience as a volunteer at the Mosses Centre in Bury, where I worked for one year as a teaching assistant, supporting learners in the Persian language.

Cooking is one of my favorite activities, and I love sharing my passion with others. I have a TikTok account where I showcase different recipes and share them with people so they can learn and enjoy new dishes.

When I heard about Heart & Parcel, I was excited and eagerly waiting to take part. This program is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, share the foods I love, and exchange ideas with others. It also allows me to challenge myself by learning new cooking techniques and kitchen-related vocabulary in English.

I am truly grateful to Heart & Parcel for giving me inspiration and helping me develop my ideas and future plans.

Open Kitchens Teacher

Asmahan Alatrash

My name is Asmahan, I am from Syria, and worked as a Doctor for 19 years in Syria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. I have 6 children. I first moved to Turkey from Syria. Then I came in the UK 5 years ago. When I arrived in Manchester, I started doing English courses to learn English language, I achieved level 1 certificate. Also, I was a volunteer at Greenheys to support E.S.O.L one learning English as an assistant teacher. Cooking is one of my favourite activity because it is a way for me to reduce stress and I can be artistic about it and it never gets repetitive. As always, I wanted to learn English and practise it in an entertaining and enjoyable way, as it gives me the opportunity to learn about other traditional food and meet new friends.

Later on, I heard about ‘Heart and Parcel’ course and so loved the idea of it. As it involves cooking and learning English together at the same time. I first started this course by meeting people face to face but then we began to take online lessons with Clare and that was due to the pandemic , which I found a pleasure to do.

SEE ONE OF ASMAHAN’S COOKALONG LIVESTREAMS HERE

Open Kitchens Teacher

Rawia Alawani

Rawia, teacher, wife, mother-of-four and  cooking lover. I’m originally from Syria, born and grown in Jordan, lived in Saudi and I moved to Manchester 6 years back. I’ve joined Heart & Parcel 5 years ago as an ESOL student through cooking classes before I started to give my own Syrian-food cooking lessons to build the bridges between different cultures and to help me to integrate with my new country.

SEE ONE OF RAWIA’S COOKALONG LIVESTREAMS HERE

Open Kitchens Teacher

Rasha Mafrachi

My name is Rasha. I am originally from Iraq. I am married and have two children. I have a masters in Geography and used to work as a university teacher in Iraq. Currently, I work as an Arabic teacher with experience face to face teaching as well as online learning. Cooking for me is art, since and passion, it makes me happy learn new cooking techniques and discovering new ingredients from across the world. I am happy to take part in the Heart and Parcel because it helps me to meet new friends and share food that I like with people. It is also a great opportunity to challenge myself to learn something new about cooking and kitchen tools in English.

SEE ONE OF RASHA’S COOKALONG LIVESTREAMS HERE

Open Kitchens Teacher

Liza Rasool

My name is Liza. I’m from Afghanistan. I have three children two boys and one girl. I have lived in UK since 2015. I finished my school in Afghanistan. And I have been studying English in UK for four years. I speak Four languages Dari, Farsi, Urdu and English.

I absolutely love cooking. last year I was a student in a Heart & Parcel and I learned a lot. I started teaching with Heart & Parcel this year and I have loved every minute of it. I teach online cookalongs. Because it combines some of my favourite thing: food , languages, culture and getting to know new people! I also love that learning goes both ways at Heart & Parcel. I learn so much for the participants and other teachers.

I have always been a foodie so I really enjoy learning new recipes each week alongside students from around the world. In the future I would like to teach English and cooking together.

SEE ONE OF LIZA’S COOKALONG LIVESTREAMS HERE

Open Kitchens Teacher 

Paramita Raha

I am Paramita Raha. I am from Bangladesh and have been living in the U.K for the last one and a half years. I have been learning English, Maths and also teaching myself to Code. I was also working, at Domino’s Pizza, before the lockdown. Now I am working in Food Production.

I am a food enthusiast and love working with people from different backgrounds. I also love to learn about various cultures and cuisines. I participated in many extracurriculam activities: such as the Cultural exchange programme; Manchester Day to represent Bengali community; Open Kitchen project and volunteered for a local charity.

Heart & Parcel has provided me this opportunity through which I have been able to meet plenty of people, make some new friends; in addition, this has also given me the experience to work with the team.

SEE ONE OF PARAMITA’S COOKALONG LIVESTREAMS

Open Kitchens Teacher

BAN SALEH

Hello! My name is Ban Saleh, and I’m from Baghdad, Iraq. My love for cooking began in my mother’s kitchen, where I first learned that food is more than just sustenance—it’s a way to express love. I still vividly remember helping her make cakes and klaija, a traditional Iraqi pastry. Those moments taught me that love is shared through the meals we prepare and the joy we bring to others when we gather around the table.

My passion for cooking has been a constant companion throughout my life, and I’ve found it to be a universal way to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether it’s trying new recipes from around the world or recreating family favorites, every dish I make feels like a way to honor my mother’s legacy and share her love with those around me.

In addition to cooking, I have a background in chemistry (Baghdad University) and a diploma in medical labs, but my true calling has been teaching. With over 10 years of experience teaching English to adults in ESOL-style programs, I’ve discovered the unique power of combining learning with cooking. This method engages learners in a hands-on, meaningful way, expanding their vocabulary through the universal language of food.

I’ve also had the pleasure of creating a community cookbook as part of a parent support group at the English Grammar School in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and volunteering for over five years with Talk English, assisting in ESOL classes for adults.

Cooking is more than a skill; it’s a way to bring people together, share stories, and keep traditions alive. I’m excited to share my mother’s love, her recipes, and a little taste of home with you. When we cook, we’re not just preparing food—we’re creating memories and connections that last a lifetime. I look forward to being part of your culinary journey!

Open Kitchens Teacher

NAJLAA MAHMOUD

My name is Najlaa Mahmoud, originally from Libya, and I am a dedicated mother of three with a deep commitment to both family and community. For over a year, I have been working as a teacher assistant, where I’m able to express my love for taking care of young children. This role has allowed me to support their early development, witness their growth, and help them thrive—all of which is incredibly rewarding.

Since the pandemic, I’ve also been involved with Heart and Parcel, where I’ve had the privilege of working on impactful projects that strengthen and support our communities. Being part of Heart and Parcel has been an inspiring journey, offering me new skills and the chance to connect with wonderful people who share my passion for making a positive difference.

In my personal life, I am an avid cook who finds joy in preparing meals for my family and friends. Cooking is my creative outlet and a way to connect with others, whether I’m experimenting with new recipes or sharing cherished family dishes. Balancing my roles as a mother, teacher assistant, and community volunteer brings fulfillment to my life, and I am grateful for each opportunity to care for and uplift those around me.

SEE ONE OF NAJLAA’S COOKALONG LIVESTREAMS HERE

Open Kitchens Teacher

AKLIMA AKHTER

I am Aklima Akhter.I am from Bangladesh, but I lived in Italy for eight years before moving to England six years ago. I have two children; they go to the University of Leeds. I own a newsagent in Sheffield .To me, cooking is an art and I love to try food from all over the world.I have been involved with Heart and Parcel for five years now,and I have enjoyed the cooking classes as they taught me various cuisines. I have also participated in the Open kitchen project.

SEE ONE OF AKLIMA’S COOKALONG LIVESTREAMS HERE

Open Kitchens Teacher

GASHIN ADULLAH

My name is Gashin Adullah I am from Iraqi Kurdistan, I have 2 children both boys, I have been in the UK for 15 years, I have lived in bury for 6 years. Before i used to live in Old Trafford,Manchester. I like cooking and baking very much, I like making cultrual food, and would very much like to explore foods from different countries. I was also at Bury Adult Learning Centre for 3 years.

SEE ONE OF GASHIN’S COOKALONG LIVESTREAMS HERE

Open Kitchens Teacher

RIZWANA HAMEED

My name is Rizwana. I’m originally from Pakistan but I lived in Italy for a long time. Around nine years ago, I moved with my family from Italy to the UK. Initially, we faced a hard time here but now everything is fine. When I came to the UK, I joined English classes (ESOL) along with cooking classes delivered by Heart and & Parcel. It was a very good opportunity for me because I love cooking and I love learning to cook new dishes. I want to improve my cooking skills and learn different cuisines. I had a good time with Heart & and Parcel. I made food with them, attended cooking workshops and many events. I’m grateful to Clare, Hanane and Karolina for being always so kind and supportive. Heart & Parcel gave me inspiration for me to develop my cooking skills.

Open Kitchens Teacher

ZAHRA AKIL

SIMONA WINTER

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR (VOLUNTARY)

I am from the Czech Republic and have lived in the UK for 6 years. I
love languages and exploring cultures, and am interested in diversity, inclusion and migration. I am an ex-ESOL teacher and have worked with youth and education for the last 9 years. I have lived and studied in France, Luxembourg, Algeria, the US and Mexico and in addition to work, I have always found myself volunteering in projects supporting local migrant communities. I found about Heart and Parcel through the co-founder Clare and have immediately fallen for the mission of the organisation. I was thrilled to become a moderator and ESOL teacher volunteer for Heart and Parcel during Covid and now am helping with coordinating our amazing volunteers to enable the running of all our sessions.

To volunteer with Heart & Parcel please visit our volunteer page here

KRISTEN CHEN

COOKBOOK STOCKIST COORDINATOR (VOLUNTARY)

My name is Kristen, I’m currently a final year Law student at the University of Manchester, and I was born in the UK to Chinese immigrant parents. Growing up, I always had to help my parents translate, as they didn’t have high English skills, and being Chinese diaspora, food was one of the main ways I got to connect with my Chinese heritage and background. So, it’s only natural that when I found out about Heart & Parcel, I really resonated with the values and mission of the organisation, and was thrilled to become one of Heart & Parcel’s volunteers in September 2024. My role is cookbook stockist co-ordinator, which means I get in contact with bookstores around the UK to promote and stock Heart & Parcel’s second fantastic cookbook, ‘From Home to Home’. It’s been a really rewarding experience to get a glimpse into the independent publishing world, and I’m excited to continue to be a part of this amazing project!

Email | Kristen@heartandparcel.org

ALEX HOLLOWAY

FOOD FOR THOUGHT LEARNER BLOG coordinator & WRITING TUTOR (VOLUNTARY)

Hi, my name is Alex (she/her) and I live near Wetherby in West Yorkshire. I love teaching and I’m passionate about making sure language learning is empowering and fulfilling for everyone. So, being involved in Heart and Parcel is like a dream come true! I currently work at the University of Leeds in the Language Centre where I teach English and academic skills. In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, reading historical fiction or watching rubbish TV.

READ FOOD FOR THOUGHT LEARNER BLOG HERE

ALAA ZALAT

EVENTS MANAGER

Hello, I’m Alaa Zalat. Originally from Egypt, I’ve lived in Saudi Arabia and now in the UK, which has given me a deep appreciation for the richness of different cultures. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, and in 2019, I made Manchester my home. I joined Heart & Parcel in 2021, drawn to its mission of uniting communities through food.

My journey with Heart and Parcel have started as a cooking teacher and volunteer. I gained a lot of knowledge. experience, challenges, confidence and skills which help me to achieve many successes. Now I started a new chapter in my story as an event manager after I lead many catering events. I lead supper clubs. It’s really an interesting experience. I am so proud to be part of this amazing team as a manager.

Email | Alaa@heartandparcel.org

FOOD FOR THOUGHT LEARNER BLOG SUPPORT TEAM

KAT SLATER 

My name is Kat, and I’ve been volunteering with Heart & Parcel since the Cook/Eat/Write/Share project. I was also a chat moderator for the online From Home to Home lockdown series. I currently run the blog-writing workshop sessions with Alex and Hala, and I provide feedback on learners’ blogs.

In my professional life I work in sustainable development communications and preciously worked as a translator. I’m passionate about languages, cultures and getting geeky about all things linguistic!

I love the collaborative nature of Heart & Parcel projects, and I always come away from sessions with new tips, ideas and perspectives from others.

READ FOOD FOR THOUGHT LEARNER BLOG HERE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT LEARNER BLOG SUPPORT TEAM

HALA BOTROS

Hello! My name is Hala. I’m an English tutor and a writing consultant based in Kuwait. I joined Heart & Parcel in March 2021 to fulfill a placement requirement for my master’s degree at King’s College London. The moment I joined Clare in her weekly English cooking lessons, I fell in love with Heart & Parcel’s mission and the wonderful learners! Although I’m yet to visit Manchester, I get to ‘Zoom-in’ with all the learners, bloggers, and talented chefs of H&P from thousands of miles away! I am now delighted to be part of the ‘Food for Thought’ team, helping writers express themselves through our blog by offering technical writing workshops and English language lessons.

READ FOOD FOR THOUGHT LEARNER BLOG HERE

OUR TASTES IN READING GROUP LEADER

PAT TSANG

I am Pat from Hong Kong.  I moved to Manchester four years ago. I have been learning English with Heart and Parcel since the summer of  2021. I recall that my first lesson was a live-streamed online cooking class. A few months later, I joined a newly launched writing class. Since then, I have started writing blogs. The class is not just a place for me to improve my English but also to share my thoughts and stories.  

 One day in 2024, we happened to talk about books in our writing class.  We found that there were book lovers.   We have already had two meetings to gather like-minded members to discuss our favourite books.  Because of it, I am so lucky to be granted a chance to learn to co-host “Our Tastes in Reading Group” meetings with the team.  I believe that “Those who use what they have learned, can make progress.”  Looking forward to seeing you in Heart & Parcel classes, and let’s learn English together.