Gangadhara HERATH
A journey of community, connection, and cuisine
My journey in Geneva began in 2014, but it was in 2018, after moving to Grand-Saconnex, that I truly found a sense of belonging. The warmth and inclusivity of this community inspired me to give back by sharing my passion for cooking and fostering meaningful social connections.
It is with great joy and gratitude that I present myself as the founder of the *World Cuisine Project*, an initiative born from the desire to create opportunities for connection, integration and cultural exchange.
When I arrived in Grand-Saconnex, I noticed that many people, like me, were new to the area or lived alone. Although the municipality already offers social events, I envisioned something more intimate and personal—a space where people could gather, share their stories, and build lasting relationships.
In 2019, the idea of a social event centered on food and sharing began to take shape. Cooking, as a universal language, seemed to me the perfect way to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and combat social isolation. Through research and reflection, this concept evolved into a concrete vision.
Driven by this vision, I immersed myself in studies on health and interpersonal relationships, aiming to create a platform that fosters engagement, volunteering, and authentic connections. Inspired by Sri Lanka’s legendary hospitality and the transformative power of community, the *World Cuisine Project* embodies the impact of compassion and shared experiences.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, intensifying the feeling of isolation for many. During this time, the urgency of my idea became clear, and I laid the groundwork for what would become the *World Cuisine Project*. By the end of 2021, the initiative was 90% complete in the form of a well-structured project proposal.
In 2022, I had the privilege of collaborating with Luso, who was working on a DIY and recycling project. Our discussions were inspiring, and although we initially explored merging our initiatives, we ultimately chose to focus solely on cooking. This collaboration enriched the project, reinforcing its core mission.
The *World Cuisine Project* is much more than just food—it’s a celebration of diversity, a platform for cultural exchange, and a space where social connections are created and strengthened. Through this initiative, we have discovered new flavors, embraced different traditions, and created precious memories together.
In 2023, when the municipality of Grand-Saconnex launched calls for community projects, we seized the opportunity to bring our vision to life. Our initiative was honored with an award, a milestone made possible thanks to the dedication and support of our incredible community.
To learn more about this project, please visit
Je vous invite chaleureusement à nous rejoindre dans ce voyage extraordinaire de communauté, de compassion et de connexion. Ensemble, cultivons une communauté vibrante et inclusive où personne ne se sent seul, et où la cuisine devient un pont qui nous unit tous.
Luso Marcio Aleixo Borges
My name is Luso Marcio Aleixo Borges, and my journey took me to Switzerland at the age of 24. Over the past 26 enriching years,
I settled in the heart of Grand Saconnex, forging deep bonds with its inhabitants
From the beginning, I integrated seamlessly into the fabric of our community, driven by a burning desire to contribute meaningfully to our beloved city.
My commitment has been demonstrated through years of volunteering dedicated to various initiatives. I am a person deeply committed to humanitarian aid, I am a volunteer at the UN,
With my wife and three children we created the Flagga association
7 years ago to help families and children in Africa. passionate about sports, especially mountain hiking, my family and I love adventure, we love nature, we love traveling, exploring new places and cultures and local cuisine,
are enriching experiences.
Together with my precious family, we have embarked on a noble adventure – an association dedicated to the ecological renovation of furniture and decorative objects. Our ethos is centered on sustainability and recycling, giving new life to abandoned materials through the art of DIY.
Additionally, we hosted Neighborhood Parties, fostering a spirit of unity and camaraderie among residents. My diverse professional background only strengthened my passion for reuse and renovation, launching a quest to explore innovative methods of transformation. Driven by a deep dedication to community and environmental causes, I firmly believe in the transformative power of collective action. By supporting initiatives that prioritize sustainability and recycling, we not only elevate our local landscape, but we also plant the seeds for a greener, brighter future.
In keeping with this ethic, I have also put my skills to work on an international culinary project, combining culinary art with a commitment to sustainability. Through each venture, I aim to harness the potential of collaboration to create lasting positive change for our world.
Présentation du projet
Le projet de cuisine du monde vise à favoriser des liens sociaux durables et à atténuer l’isolement social au sein de diverses communautés multinationales et multiculturelles du Grand Saconnex, à travers des sessions participatives de cuisines du monde.
Avec une approche holistique, le Projet de Cuisine Du Monde vise à enrichir la vie communautaire en célébrant la diversité, en favorisant la durabilité et en nourrissant le bien-être grâce à la joie de la cuisine internationale.
Les participants acquerront diverses techniques culinaires et plongeront dans des plats traditionnels du monde entier en nourrissant un sentiment familial d’unité qui renforce les relations sociales, amplifie les interactions entre les différents publics tel que les familles, les personnes isolées ou toute personne ayant des options limitées pour manger à l’extérieur.
La cuisine collective et le partage de repas seront suivi d’une variété d’activités. Les activités proposées pourront évoluer selon les thématiques et les envies des participants, tel que des échanges de bonnes pratiques, des projections de films, la participation à d’autres projets.
Cette initiative vise également à sensibiliser les participants à la préservation des ressources et au gaspillage grâce au recyclage, à la réutilisation et à l’économie de l’eau et l’électricité. Le projet aspire à utiliser des produits locaux et dans la mesure du possible à impliquer les producteurs locaux.
Avec une perspective de deux ans, le projet Cuisine Du Monde s’engage dans une évolution continue grâce à l’intégration des retours d’expérience.
Les Objectifs Spécifiques définissant les moyens d’action :
- Cuisine Du Monde Mise en Valeur de la Diversité : Mettre en avant une variété tournante de plats internationaux et des séances de cuisine à thème pour explorer le patrimoine culinaire.
- Cuisine Du Monde Échange Culturel : Créer un espace inclusif pour apprendre et partager des histoires personnelles liées à la nourriture.
- Cuisine Du Monde Éducation Culinaire : Proposer des ateliers dirigés par des chefs expérimentés, fournissant des recettes, des techniques et des aperçus culturels.
- Cuisine Du Monde Engagement Communautaire : Favoriser la participation.
- Cuisine Du Monde Intégration Sociale : Faciliter les interactions lors des séances de cuisine et encourager les expériences de repas partagés.
- Cuisine Du Monde Pratiques Durables : Faire le choix d’un approvisionnement en ingrédients durables et sensibiliser à la réduction du gaspillage alimentaire.
- Cuisine Du Monde Épanouissement et Bien-être : Établir une atmosphère accueillante qui reconnaît le rôle de la nourriture dans le renforcement des liens et des émotions positives.