It was a beautiful spring day on the first of April 2025 here in Manchester. We woke up to a lovely sun shining though the room and I was set to go volunteering in St. Barnabas Nursery and Primary School in Openshaw; Manchester. A school with a population of over 200 pupils and about 30 or more members on the staff list, dedicated to serve the pupils by responding to their individual and collective needs.
Long before this day, Joan who is a staff at the Sisters house in Hulme works as a full time cook in St. Barnabas over-seeing the school meal asked me for a recipe of how to make the African Jollof Rice. I googled the Recipe and forwarded it to her on WhatsApp. However, She still insisted that I show her how to make it. So, with the permission of the Head Teacher and that of her business manager, we came to an agreement that I could go to the school and demonstrate it so that the other kitchen staff could also learn.
The pupils and staff were duly informed of my visit and so the school sizzled with excitement. Joan made a purchase of all necessary ingredients including chicken drum-sticks to go with the rice. At 10 am prompt, I was in the school and after the protocol of signing in as a visitor, (part of the policy on best practice) I got into business as we had only 2hrs 30 minutes to have the food ready for school lunchtime. The kitchen was a moderate and compact space with required components. Everything kept very clean and well organised by the lovely and hard-working staff who seemed comfortable with team spirit in service though they each had their prescribed tasks.
First, we washed, seasoned and placed the drum-sticks in the oven to roast. Within a short time, the smell of goodness was all over the place. Then I per-boiled the rice, washes, seasoned and placed it in a steamer. I am not familiar with cooking on a steamer therefore, I entertained some worries about how the water in the rice would dry. However, everything turned out well and was delivered on time. The pupils came into the dinning hull in their turns all wearing big smiles and excitement on their faces. Those who were familiar with Jollof rice enjoyed every bit of it. Those who were tasting it for the first time approved of the taste. I was pleased with the outcome.
Taking a little tour around the school, I was captivated by some display in the dinning hull with materials for a gentle transfer of faith and to remind the children that God is in this place.
There could not have been a better way to spend a fun day doing what I truly love to do. Before leaving the School, I paid a short visit to the pupils in year six who were so gracious and eager to express their gratitude for the service offered to them. Meanwhile, we agreed with the Head Teacher that when I return from Geneva, I could go over and do some sessions with the senior children on my work at the United Nations and also start a cookery club for those who may be interested to learn more about cooking. It will be a great pleasure for me to share some skills that can bring happiness and nurture the value of hospitality and intercultural values among young people and a pathway to apply creativity to infinity.