Student Food skills grow in “Make it Happen” cooking classes

Twelve students at Lyman Moore Middle School enlisted the help of a professional chef to learn how to make more of their own food, cooking up sambusas -- Somalian meat pies – as well as ramen noodles and pizza. Meeting once a week, these students compared their family cooking traditions and learned something of the cultures and places where their dishes originated.

 As a culmination of their project, they made a large batch of homemade ice cream and served it after school to more than 50 students and teachers. The students shared in their end of project reflection that they love food, and relished learning new cooking techniques.

Eating together, they reflected, creates community. Indeed. They hope to repeat this project again and expand its scope, increasing the number of new recipes they might try.

• Students:

  Geraldo Matusilua Nzuzi, Ilyias Munye, Moises Kabuasa, Robinson Abore, Imran Abdullahi, Dorcas Mayala, Jessica Timiti Mutombo, Winner Ingani Kaniki, Ali Alzamili, Brody Martin

• Adult Ally: Elise Johnson

• Grant award: $500