Building Skills, One Spoonful at a Time: Young Achievers Cook Jollof Rice Together
Last Friday, 5th of September, our Young Achievers group (ages 10–15) took on a new challenge, cooking jollof rice, a dish loved across Nigeria and West Africa. With aprons on and ingredients ready, the session quickly turned into a lively mix of learning, laughter, and teamwork.

For many, this was their first time cooking such a dish. But you wouldn’t have known that from the excitement in the room. They asked questions, followed instructions, and supported one another from the first chop to the final stir. Watching them step up with curiosity and courage reminded us why we run these sessions in the first place.

Learning That Goes Beyond the Kitchen
Cooking isn’t just about preparing meals. It teaches essential life skills that young people carry with them beyond the walls of any kitchen.

In this session, they learned how to:
• Work as a team
• Measure and handle ingredients
• Read and follow a recipe
• Stay focused while having fun

These may sound like small steps, but they lead to a stronger sense of responsibility, independence, and pride in what they can achieve.

Trying New Things, Together
>At TOL, we believe young people should have opportunities to try new experiences in safe and supportive spaces. Cooking jollof rice gave them a chance to explore something different, not just a new recipe, but a new way of thinking about food, culture, and working together.

Sharing roles in the kitchen, from measuring spices to tasting the sauce, allowed each person to play their part. Even those who were shy at first found their rhythm. And by the end of the session, they weren’t just proud of the meal they made, they were proud of themselves.

Creating Connection Through Cooking
As they cooked, young people shared stories, joked with each other, and learned from one another. It didn’t take long for teammates to feel like friends.

These moments of connection are what we aim for in every youth programme at TOL. They’re the reason we make space not just for fun, but for growth, trust, and belonging.

Why Cooking Matters
Through our hands-on cooking sessions for ages 6–21, we’re helping young people:
• Build life skills they’ll use for years
• Develop healthier relationships with food
• Grow their confidence in trying new things
• Strengthen their mental and physical wellbeing

These sessions are fun, yes - but they’re also meaningful. They give young people the tools to care for themselves and others, while enjoying the process along the way.

A Taste of Achievement
By the end of Friday’s session, jollof rice wasn’t just a dish, it was proof of what’s possible when young people are given the space and support to learn, try, and grow. The pride they felt wasn’t just in the food. It was in themselves.

We will keep creating these moments. Because every young person deserves the chance to discover what they’re capable of.

Want to support our life-skills programmes or get involved?
We’d love to hear from you. Contact us on Support@touchoflove.org.uk to learn more about how you can help make a lasting impact.