THE Rio Ferdinand Foundation has teamed up with professional chef Lajina Masala to deliver a virtual cooking masterclass to families in Oldham as part of the United Against Racism programme.

The class, which was delivered live via zoom on Friday August 27, saw 10 families learn to make Mulah Rob, a classic Sudanese dish served with peanut butter sauce and salad.

The virtual cooking class was organised by Rio Ferdinand Foundation’s digital youth ambassadors Sana Ahmed Mian and Islam Elbagir Amin Salih from Oldham, who recently gained digital and entrepreneurial skills from the Oldham Digital Skills Programme.

The Oldham Digital Skills Programme is a partnership programme, between the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, Oldham Opportunity Area and the Oldham Enterprise Trust.

The Rio Ferdinand Foundation delivered the ingredients to all 27 participants ahead of the event.

The Abbass family said: “My family and I really enjoyed taking part in the cooking class, having the ingredients and tech support dropped off at our door was super helpful.

“It was wonderful to learn about different cultures and cooking dishes from different countries – the kids got involved as well, so we all spent some time together, which doesn’t usually happen.”

The United Against Racism programme aims to change the narrative surrounding racism and bring communities together.

Chef Lajina Masala said: “It’s been so interesting to be working with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, equality and diversity need to be discussed and what better way than sharing meals. Especially dishes that are not so known in the Western world but served at celebrations in our neighbourhoods.

“The team at the Foundation have been so supportive and the ambassadors who shared their recipes were so generous and trusting of my support, I hope this is the start of many successful projects between us”.

Victoria Lowe, programme manager for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation added: “The virtual cooking event is an opportunity for us to bring families together, whilst providing an opportunity for participants of all ages to learn new skills, try new flavours, and together celebrate cultural differences.”

The Rio Ferdinand Foundation also held a sports media project earlier this month at Oldham Greenhill Community Service Centre for young people aged 10 to 25.