For many asylum-seekers, the road to success in a new country is paved with countless obstacles, from language barriers to cultural differences. But for one young man, the journey to achieving his dream of becoming a chef was made possible thanks to the guidance and mentorship of renowned chef Dylan McGrath. After appearing on McGrath’s Virgin Media show, the aspiring chef had the skills and confidence he needed to pursue a career in cooking, and now he’s grateful for the opportunity he was given. In this article, we’ll explore the inspiring story of how an asylum-seeker overcame the odds and found success in the culinary world, with the help of one of Ireland’s most talented chefs.
Dylan McGrath’s Secret Service, an Irish reality show, is not only about cooking, but also about changing people’s lives. The show features five individuals from challenging backgrounds and provides them with an opportunity to learn culinary skills from chef Dylan McGrath. Among these individuals is Josephine Meheguep Noufeme, a former asylum-seeker who fled from persecution in Cameroon. Ms Noufeme, who has always had a passion for cooking and cuisine, discovered solace in the kitchen as she spent almost five years in a direct provision centre near Co. Kildare while waiting for her asylum application to be processed.
As an asylum-seeker, Ms Noufeme had to flee her native country after an attempt on her life. She went into hiding for seven months where she was emotionally and physically abused before managing to escape and make her way to Ireland in 2017. During this time, she spent almost five years living in direct provision with a limited opportunity to hone her culinary skills until Dylan McGrath came along.
The participants in Dylan McGrath’s Secret Service show are mentored by McGrath, who provides them with the basics of kitchen work. The voluntary sous-chefs learn different dishes, menus and kitchen approaches from the chef while preparing food for special events. The goal of the show is for the participants to be competent enough to cook a three-course meal for 60 people, including their families, charities and organisations that have supported them for years. Ms Noufeme worked closely with Spirasi, a non-profit organisation that supports asylum-seekers who have suffered torture-related trauma.
In an interview, Ms Noufeme spoke about her experiences as an asylum-seeker, saying that she had been through hell and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. She described coming to Ireland as not voluntary, adding that she did not even know where she was going. Ms Noufeme said she was following someone who was willing to help her by bringing her to Ireland. After arriving, she spent nearly five years living in direct provision at a facility in Co. Kildare while waiting for her application to be processed and trying to heal from the ordeal she had been through.
Despite the trauma and the difficulties, Noufeme found solace in cooking, especially Cameroon dishes using Irish ingredients, which she prepared for her fellow asylum-seekers. She always harboured a love for cuisine, but the trauma she experienced steered her towards the kitchen, where she found comfort and healing.
Ms Noufeme, who is now a full-time chef at a hotel in Portlaoise, said that appearing on the show was a dream come true. She expressed her gratitude for being selected and praised Dylan McGrath for giving her the boost she needed back. She is still improving her culinary skills and seeks to learn more to add to the newly acquired ones.
Dylan McGrath’s Secret Service resonated with many people who identified with the participants’ journeys. The show presents a different angle on how cooking can become a tool in rehabilitating, healing and changing people’s lives. The participants, all of whom have had to overcome various challenges and struggles, had the opportunity to learn from McGrath, who continues to inspire them. For Ms Noufeme, it was the opportunity to work, to learn and to heal. The show provided a new lease of life, a sense of direction and a renewed hope for a better future.
In conclusion, the story of this asylum-seeker’s journey is a true testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and most importantly, the kindness of strangers. Dylan McGrath and his team’s support and guidance helped this aspiring chef achieve his dream and paved the way for a brighter future. This is a reminder that we should always be grateful for the people who take the time to invest in us, and we should never underestimate the impact of a single act of kindness. Let this story be an inspiration to us all to keep pushing towards our goals, and to always remember the people who helped us get there.
