Certainly, we provide individuals with the opportunity to prepare healthy and nutritious meals, offering an alternative to the harsh reality of malnutrition in the Samos refugee camp, caused by prepackaged, vacuum-sealed, and often expired food packages – the kind you would not even feed your pet.

However, our mission goes beyond the realm of fulfilling basic needs. In the process of cooking, we highlight the importance of quality, boost cooking confidence, foster menu planning skills, and imparting ownership of culinary processes. We emphasize teamwork, time management, and budgeting, all with the aim of nurturing a passion for the culinary profession and preparing individuals for their initial steps toward labor integration in Europe.

Moreover, we firmly believe that cooking and sharing meals is one of the most beautiful and effective ways to foster community and build bridges between nations, languages, and cultures.

"We gather at the same table, sharing stories, laughter, food, soul, joy, and sorrow – we are family."

But there is more to our work. A crucial part involves empowering individuals through creative culinary solutions, utilizing local ingredients to craft international dishes.

Have you ever tried to cook your favorite meal in a foreign land? Perhaps you nearly gave up due to the unfamiliarity – different labels, unreadable packaging, a sense of being adrift?

This is the everyday reality for those who were forced to leave their homelands in search of safety in foreign lands. We at selfm.aid believe that we must consume as locally as possible, connecting with the natural resources that surround us. Our location on this remote island further forces us to do so. When not everything is readily available, we must find inventive solutions, create our ingredients, or find suitable substitutes. It is this spirit of resourcefulness that we invite you to share and explore with us.

The recipes within this cookbook are designed to be cookable, no matter where you are. Take a moment to consider your local surroundings and the treasures it offers. Instead of relentlessly chasing after what you think you need, we urge you to take advantage of what you already have

We look forward to embarking on this culinary journey together.