Raouf launches his culinary career
Originally from Egypt, Raouf spent 30 years working in hospitality as an Italian-speaking tour guide at historical sites all over Egypt. “My work involved being with Italians, explaining Egyptian civilization and culture,” said Raouf. “I became passionate about food when I stayed with a group of Italians and during my time, we started to make food together.”
After relocating to the United States in 2017, he continued to pursue his enthusiasm for the culinary arts. “As I became more passionate about food, I started making dishes adding my Mediterranean touch. Every time I cooked, friends and family were very happy with the outcome,” he said.
However, having recently arrived in the U.S., he found it hard to connect with American culture. “America is huge, difficult to adapt to, and hard to get used to the systems here,” he said.
“I often see our students experiencing a disrupted sense of self, a loss of confidence,” shared Kelli Graham, Hopelink’s Adult Education Program Manager. “They worry that their previous skills and experiences have little meaning or value in a new country.”
Raouf and Yasmine both participated in Hopelink’s English for Work program.
Photo Credit: Raouf E.
Raouf first learned about Hopelink when his wife Yasmine encouraged him to enroll in the English for Work program in 2018, after completing the course herself. His first motivation was to improve his English language skills, but he soon discovered that he could incorporate his passions and lived experiences to connect with his classmates.
“We were sharing everything about our lives, food, and culture. I remember I cooked for the group two or three times, and they all loved it,” he said.
In English for Work, students develop their English skills in a variety of ways and learn about the U.S. workforce. They learn how to write a U.S.-style resume, practice job interviews, and become familiar with workplace laws and employee rights.
“Cultural sharing is another critical and inherent part of the program, because the students are so diverse,” said Kelli. “We’ve had classes where no one student has been from the same country, so there’s a lot of sharing about people’s backgrounds and life experiences as we’re learning about the content.”
English for Work instructors receive ongoing professional development through the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. “This includes equity-minded leadership and culturally responsible teaching,” said Judy Faast, Hopelink’s Director of Education, Employment, and Financial Capabilities. “Many students think their English needs to be perfect to communicate and without any accent, but there are lots of ways to express yourself in English, so that’s one way that we’re demonstrating cultural humility.”
While participating in the program, Raouf began researching culinary arts courses. However, he found they were expensive, so he asked a Hopelink staff member about it and they referred him to local culinary courses at Lake Washington Technical College.
“In Hopelink’s (Adult) Education program, we often recommend clients to other job training programs based on their interests and past experience. So, a big part of what we do is connect people to those types of trainings,” said Kelli.
Participating in the program not only gave Raouf tools to improve his English in the workforce, but it also gave him a chance to connect with his new surroundings and a newfound sense of self-assurance.
English for Work students also learn to regain their confidence, Kelli explained. “Students share stories about their life experiences and accomplishments and are reminded of who they are and what they are capable of. When students complete the program, I see many of them have a new sense of hope for the future,” Kelli said.
Raouf now runs his catering business alongside his wife Yasmine. Specializing in a mix of Middle Eastern, Italian, and Halal cuisine, he hopes to expand the business into a brick-and-mortar restaurant someday. “We are growing slowly but surely. Once we reach a certain point, we will do the business full-time,” he said.
R&Y Catering offers a variety of food options from beef and chicken kabobs, Basmati rice, salads, appetizers, and more!
Photo Credit: Raouf E.
Recently, Hopelink’s Adult Education program contracted Raouf to cater a party for volunteers. Kelli reconnected with him and shared that a recent graduate of the program from Afghanistan has long dreamed of launching his own food business.
“Raouf was excited at the idea of sharing his experience peer to peer,” said Kelli. “My wish would be to have an alumni network where our former students connect with each other and current students.” Since its inception in 2013, the program has assisted more than 2,000 students.
As Raouf continues to grow his business and passions, he finds time to give back. He said, “Hopelink did so much for me, so volunteering at the Food Market was just my way of saying thank you. I want to help the way they helped me.”
English for Work is a free, quarter-long program for immigrants and refugees to improve their English language skills and prepare for employment in the United States. Students learn about topics such as skills and strengths, job search, resumes, and interviewing while practicing speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For more information click here.
For more on Raouf’s catering business, including menus and pricing, visit R&Y Catering website or follow them on Instagram.