Encounter projects

Olla común

Olla común stands for solidarity, cross-cultural contact and good food. For each Olla común event, a group of volunteers cooks a meal, serving dishes typical to their native country. After lunch, donations are collected for a social project in their country.

Solidarity food

For each Olla común event, a group of volunteers cooks a meal that is typical to their native country and collects donations for a social project there. We invite you to come and enjoy lunch with us! Each event features a surprising and delicious mix of food. Sometimes, lunches are even accompanied by dancing, music or the sale of food and handicrafts from the host country.

We are very grateful for your donations, which enable us to cover the cost of the meal as well as support the project selected by each group.

If you would like to support this long-standing K5 encounter project, please click here  . If you would like to participate and cook yourself, please contact us at ollacomun@k5kurszentrum.ch.

If you would like to receive regular invitations by email or the program, please write to us at ollacomun@k5kurszentrum.ch.

Intercultural encounters since 1985

Several years ago a group of refugee women from Chile started Olla común at K5. Olla común means ‘common pot’, or communal kitchen, and refers to a tradition in Chile and other Latin American countries that was born out of necessity. In order to have at least one warm meal a day and strengthen their sense of community, residents from the slums would pool together any food they could find, cook it and then eat it together.

In the spirit of this tradition, Olla común brings people together. It creates a space for encounters that encourage solidarity with those in need through donations to social projects.

Coming events

January 17, 2025

Olla común on Friday: Nigeria

January 17, 2025
18:00 - 20:00
Next
February 13, 2025

Olla común on Thursday: Kenya

February 13, 2025
18:00 - 20:00
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March 1, 2025

Olla común on Saturday: Kurdish part of Turkey

March 1, 2025
12:00 - 14:00
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March 28, 2025

Olla común on Friday: Central Africa

March 28, 2025
18:00 - 20:00
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April 11, 2025

Olla común on Friday: Brazil

April 11, 2025
18:00-20:00
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May 15, 2025

Olla común on Thursday: Colombia

May 15, 2025
18:00 - 20:00
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August 23, 2025

Olla común on Saturday: Egypt

August 23, 2025
12:00 - 14:00
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September 13, 2025

Olla común on Saturday: Macedonia

September 13, 2025
12:00 - 14:00
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September 25, 2025

Olla común on Thursday: Eritrea

September 25, 2025
18:00 - 20:00
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October 24, 2025

Olla común on Friday: Tibet

October 24, 2025
18:00 - 20:00
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November 15, 2025

Olla común on Saturday: Lebanon/Palestine

November 15, 2025
12:00-14:00
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November 22, 2025

Olla común on Saturday: Togo

November 22, 2025
12:00-14:00
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December 13, 2025

Olla común on Saturday: Chile

December 13, 2025
12:00 - 14:00
Next

About us

Through language and interaction we encourage the social and professional integration of immigrants, thus creating the basis for a shared future.

Contact

K5 Basel Course Center
Gundeldingerstrasse 161
CH-4053 Basel

Socials

© K5 Basel Course Center