Bringing Asian culinary education to the heart of community

Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House has supported seniors, newcomers, low-income families, volunteers, and many other community members for decades. It is a place where people gather, learn, and receive support. Recently, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House partnered with Vancouver Community College to offer 12-hour customized Asian Culinary training for community cooks. The goal was to help community cooks from various non-profit organizations learn practical Asian cooking techniques so they can serve a wider range of clients in their work. 

The training was led by Sonny Ho, the department leader of VCC’s Asian Culinary Arts program which is the only full-time professional Asian culinary program of its kind in North America and has been part of Vancouver’s food culture for 50 years. For many participants, who cook for senior-serving organizations or volunteer in community kitchens, the course was a chance to build new skills, deepen their understanding of Asian cuisine, and learn how to prepare dishes using professional techniques. 

“Our partnership with Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House shows what is possible when colleges work directly with the communities they serve,” said Michael Yue, Director of the Partnership Development Office. “By bringing VCC’s expertise into community spaces, we are helping remove barriers to education. This kind of collaboration is at the heart of our work. It is about sharing knowledge, strengthening relationships, and supporting communities to thrive.” 

Participants shared that they learned many techniques they can apply in their own kitchens. They noted that the recipes were practical, adaptable, and helpful for the type of work they do. One participant, Donna Cho, said the training gave her practical skills, renewed confidence, and a deeper passion for cooking. She said, “To be offered this opportunity was my dream come true and I now really want to complete the full Asian Culinary Arts Certificate Program. Cooking is something I take a lot of pride in, and it fills me with joy to see people enjoy the food I make. That is why I like volunteering as a cook.” 

Image: Donna and her classmate

You can read more about Donna’s story here. 

Instructor Sonny Ho also reflected on the meaning of the program for his department and the community. He said, “As the department leader of the Asian Culinary program at Vancouver Community College, I am very glad to support our local community and share our knowledge through this customized training. I hope this training helps the cooks improve their technical skills and prepare food that shows respect for the many different cultures of the people they serve.” 

Image: Chef Sonny in action 

The partnership between VCC and Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House shows how education can become part of everyday community life. The training is hands-on and connected to culture, reflecting VCC’s commitment to supporting communities through education.  

To learn more about how your organization can partner with VCC on customized training and other educational initiatives, contact the Partnership Development Office at partnership@vcc.ca.