Making Our Mark: Elizabeth

For Elizabeth, the joy of food goes far beyond the simple act of eating. For her, cooking is a recipe for togetherness. She says, “My journey of discovering and nurturing my passion for cooking has been a transformative experience, shaping not only my own life but also the world around me. Cooking is not just my skill; it is my way of expressing myself and connecting with people.”

Her passion for cooking began at an early age. Memories of her father creating delicious dishes in the kitchen inspired her to enrol in a course at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, beginning her Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) journey. She was a natural.

She says, “After one year, my lecturer invited me to take part in the Junior Chef of the Year Competition in 2020 where I came third place and won a bronze medal.”

From there, she quickly won prizes and recognition. At WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund 2022, Elizabeth was awarded the Best of Africa Award, presented to the Competitor with the highest points. She rose above over 120 Competitors in 14 skill competitions and went on to represent Namibia at WorldSkills Competition Special Edition 2022.

For Elizabeth, the value of her skill is not in the medals, but how she uses it to help those around her. Cooking is her way of creating personal moments of happiness, whether for a friend feeling sad or to keeping culinary traditions and family recipes alive. She is also using her skill to address some of the larger issues her country is facing.

In Namibia, 18% of the population currently live below the national poverty line. Elizabeth says that learning to cook, “can empower individuals to make healthier choices, save money, and become more self-sufficient.” She now balances her work as a sous chef at Waldeck, a luxury lodge in Namibia, and her training for the upcoming Senior Chef of the Year Competition, with volunteering.

Elizabeth says she has found fulfilment in teaching her skill outside of work. She uses her free time to show people how to improve the way they plan meals, how they can use up ingredients before they go bad, and how to reduce food waste.

She has become involved in local organizations and charities that focus on food insecurity and nutrition education, by preparing nutritious meals for the residents at a local shelter. She says, “By providing them with healthy and delicious food, I contribute to their overall well-being and help create a more positive environment in the shelter.”

She hosts cookery classes, workshops, and demonstrations, saying, “By sharing my knowledge and expertise in the kitchen, I hope to empower others to feel confident and capable in their own culinary endeavours. Whether it’s teaching basic cooking techniques, sharing recipes, or exploring new flavours and cuisines, I try to create a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can learn and grow.”

Elizabeth has used her own skills journey to inspire others, spread joy, foster unity, and create lasting, positive change in her community.

Find out how other young people are making their mark.