Every Wednesday afternoon, the aroma of freshly baked bread fills Tshepo Community Development Initiative (CDI) in Northcliff, but, according to Roosevelt Park baker Marc Vogels, the most important thing produced inside the kitchen isn’t bread at all. It’s confidence.

The retired Belgian chef has spent years teaching free baking classes to community members, yet says his greatest reward isn’t watching perfect loaves emerge from the oven. Instead, it is seeing participants discover abilities they never knew they had. “I think most of what I teach is self-confidence. When people see that they can make something beautiful with their own hands, they become stronger.”

Read more: Roosevelt Park baker believes community bakeries could help tackle unemployment while feeding neighbourhoods

During each class, participants not only learn how to bake bread – an activity Vogels says helps develop patience, creativity, and belief in oneself – they develop a practical life skill. He describes it as a form of therapy that allows people to focus on creating, rather than dwelling on life’s challenges. “I love seeing people become stronger. Maybe this morning they knew nothing about baking. By the afternoon they’ve learnt something new and they’re proud of themselves.”

His long-term goal is to encourage more residents to attend the sessions and interact with participants, breaking down social barriers while celebrating personal growth. “I hope more people from the community come and see what happens here. They will realise these are ordinary people who maybe just missed an opportunity or made a mistake in life. Everyone deserves another chance.”

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Although participants leave with freshly baked bread, Vogels believes the greatest thing they carry home cannot be wrapped in paper. It is the confidence to believe they are capable of far more than they imagined.

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