National Foods Launches Culinary Training Programme for Deaf Participants

National Foods Limited has launched a three-month culinary training programme for 10 Deaf individuals to help them develop professional skills and pursue employment opportunities in Pakistan’s hospitality industry.

The initiative, called the National Foodpreneur Programme, has been launched in partnership with ConnectHear. It will provide hands-on training in different cuisines, food hygiene, safety, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, and professional kitchen operations.

The programme aims to help Deaf women and men build careers in the food sector and gain greater economic independence through practical training.

Focus on Accessible Culinary Education

Sarah Dawood, Head of Corporate Reputation at National Foods Limited, said empowering aspiring chefs, including persons with disabilities, involves more than teaching culinary skills. She said the initiative reflects a commitment to inclusion, socioeconomic development and stronger communities.

Azima Dhanjee, CEO and Co-founder of ConnectHear, said the programme would provide accessible training through sign language instruction and trained teachers.

She added that the initiative would give the 10 Deaf participants a pathway to develop professional skills and pursue employment in the hospitality sector.

Supporting Inclusion in the Hospitality Industry

The National Foodpreneur Programme reflects National Foods’ focus on making the food and hospitality industry more inclusive and accessible.

By combining practical culinary training with accessible instruction, the initiative aims to help participants prepare for professional kitchen environments and explore career opportunities in the sector.

The partnership also highlights the role businesses and inclusion-focused organisations can play in expanding skills development opportunities for persons with disabilities and supporting their participation in the workforce.